FFood Plant: Centaurea spp. (Knapweeds) and related genera (Krátký - 2021) eg Cynara cardunculus (Artichoke Thistle). Serratula tinctoria (Saw-wort); Arctium; Carthamus lanatus ( Distaff Thistle), Echinops spp., Galactites tomentosus, Onopordum acanthium (Scotch Thistle), Serratula spp (saw-wort)

Eggs: laid singly on the underside of leaves

Mine: end of Luly - mid November

Notes: The young larvae mine directly into a leaf vein, but later instars make a long full depth gallery, with little frass. The larva is large and is almost the same width as the gallery (as shown). The larva hibernates over the winter. This is a common and widespread species throughout England, Wales, southern Scotland and Ireland.

Data: 20.x.2013, Stretham, Cambs, VC29

Image:© Ian Barton