Primrose Cochylid Moth
Common NamePrimrose Cochylid Moth
Scientific NameCochylis atricapitana
FamilyTortricidae
SubfamilyCochylini
Wingspan (mm)12
Primary Colorsyellow, red, pink
HabitatMeadows, grasslands, waste ground, gardens, and areas with host plants
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, and parts of Asia
Host PlantsOenothera, Senecio, Solidago, Aster, Cirsium
Flight PeriodMay to August (often two broods)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed within the flowerheads or stems of various herbaceous plants, particularly primroses and ragworts. Pupation occurs in a cocoon, often in the soil or leaf litter.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its distinctive forewing pattern of yellow-orange at the base and a prominent reddish-pink band towards the termen, often with a somewhat mottled appearance.
Description
A small moth with forewings that are yellow-orange at the base, transitioning to a broad, irregular reddish-pink band towards the outer margin, often speckled with darker scales. The hindwings are greyish.
