rather common species throughout Belgium.
first, the larva feeds on the seeds of Cirsium vulgare,
C. eriophorum, Onopordum
or Arctium lappa, preferably
large plants. Later on it enters the stem and feeds on the pith,
hibernating when nearly full-grown, often several caterpillars in one
stem. Hibernation in the stem, near its circular exit-hole.
adults fly from the end of May till the end of July. They rest on
thistle-heads in the evening and come to light.
Antwerpen, Kontich, 03 June 2006.
(Photo © Gaston Sallaets)