Scabious Conch
Common NameScabious Conch
Scientific NameCochylis inopinatana
FamilyTortricidae
SubfamilyTortricinae
Wingspan (mm)13
Primary Colorsbrown, cream
HabitatDry grasslands, chalk downland, open areas with host plants
Geographic RangeWestern and Central Europe
Host PlantsKnautia arvensis, Scabiosa columbaria
Flight PeriodJune to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed internally within the flowerheads and seeds of Scabious species, pupating in a cocoon, often in the soil or leaf litter.
Identification TipsKey features include the distinctive pattern of light brown and darker reddish-brown markings with contrasting white/cream patches, particularly the prominent diagonal band on the forewings, and its small size.
Description
A small moth with light brown to ochreous forewings, featuring a broad, darker reddish-brown diagonal band and irregular white or cream patches, especially along the costa and termen.
