32.034 BF690

Agonopterix cnicella

(Treitschke, 1832)

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Wingspan c. 20mm.

A scarce and local species in the British Isles, occurring mainly coastally in southern and eastern England, northwards to Yorkshire.

Its favoured habitats are shingle beaches and coastal sandhills, and the adults are on the wing in June and July.

The larva feeds on sea-holly (Eryngium maritimum), feeding amongst spun leaves and shoots, sometimes several larvae together. The host plant often suffers brown discolouration.