Ragwort crown-boring moth
Common NameRagwort crown-boring moth
Scientific NameCochylis atricapitana
FamilyTortricidae
SubfamilyCochylini
Wingspan (mm)12
Primary Colorscream, dark brown, black
HabitatGrasslands, meadows, waste ground, and coastal areas where its host plants grow.
Geographic RangeEurope, including the British Isles, and parts of Asia.
Host PlantsCommon Ragwort (Jacobaea vulgaris), Senecio species
Flight PeriodMay to August
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae bore into the root crowns of ragwort plants, feeding internally. Pupation occurs in the soil or within the plant material, with adults emerging in late spring to summer.
Identification TipsKey features include its small size (10-14mm wingspan), the distinctive mottled forewing pattern of dark brown/black on a pale background, and its strong association with ragwort plants.
Description
A small moth with cryptically patterned forewings, featuring irregular blotches of dark brown and black on a pale cream or beige background, and a dark head.
