73.050 BF2211

The Wormwood Cucullia absinthii

(Linnaeus, 1761)

Wingspan 32-40 mm.

A rather local species, occurring in scattered locations throughout England and Wales, and occupying wasteground, quarries, sea-cliffs and similar habitats. The adults are on the wing in July.

Like other members of the Cucullinae, when at rest they have an accentuated posture with a forward-projecting tuft of hair on the thorax.

The larvae eat the flowers and seeds of wormwood (Artemesia absinthium), or mugwort (A. vulgaris).