Burdock Conch
Common NameBurdock Conch
Scientific NameCochylis atricapitana
FamilyTortricidae
SubfamilyTortricinae
Wingspan (mm)12
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorscream, brown, reddish-brown
HabitatMeadows, grasslands, waste ground, disturbed areas where host plants grow
Geographic RangeEurope, Asia, North America
Host Plantsburdock, thistle, knapweed
Flight PeriodMay to June, August to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed internally within the flower heads and developing seeds of various Asteraceae plants, pupating in a cocoon often within the flower head or on the ground.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its small size, pale forewings with a prominent dark reddish-brown central fascia, and a dark apical patch. The head is often darker than the thorax.
Description
A small moth with pale cream or whitish forewings featuring a broad, dark reddish-brown median band and a distinct dark patch near the wing apex.
