35.054 Metzneria neuropterella (Zeller, 1839)

Larva: feeds internally on the seeds from late August onwards, overwintering inside the seed-head. Detailed description of larval feeding habits can be found in The Moths and Butterflies of Great Britain and Ireland Vol. 4 (2) where it is advised there is no outward sign of larval presence.  The larvae were invariably in attached seedheads where the bracts were still greenish brown and the pappus still white.  Pupates in June.

Adult: flies at dusk and night and comes to light. Tim Wilton, pers. obs., noted they were active at dusk making slow ponderous flights which often ended with the moths landing on common knapweed stems and flowers.