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of the Lepidoptera of Belgium


Metzneria lappella (Linnaeus, 1758)

An uncommon species in Belgium, known from five provinces. Probably underrecorded elsewhere.

The larva feeds internally on the seeds of Arctium, mainly on Arctium lappa, without visible evidence of its presence. Hibernates as a larva and pupates in a cocoon in the seedhead of the food plant.

The adults fly in one generation a year during June and July. They come to light in small numbers.


Belgium, Hainaut, Rongy, 20 April 2007.
ex larva from Arctium lappa, collected on 11 March and brought indoors
(Photo © Chris Snyers)
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Comments to Willy De Prins or Chris Steeman
© Flemish Entomological Society