The wingspan is 10–17 mm. The forewings are contrasting rose-pink and cream-white.[4] It differs from Cochylis roseana as follows : forewings with ground - colour ochreous whitish, cilia ferruginous-yellow, without dark fuscous line. The larva varies from dull green to reddish-brown head and plate of 2 brown.[5] Julius von Kennel provides a full description.[6]
Adults are on wing in May and again from late June to August in two generations per year.[7]
The larvae feed on Knautia arvensis and Scabiosa species. They feed in the seedheads of their host plant. Larvae can be found from July to October, they then spin a cocoon on the ground amongst detritus where they hibernate before pupation takes place in spring.[8]
^Meyrick, E., 1895 A Handbook of British Lepidoptera MacMillan, London pdf This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain. Keys and description
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