Epiblema scutulana, Thistle Bell

Common Name: Thistle Bell

Epiblema scutulana, known as the Thistle Bell in some parts of the UK, is part of a difficult species group. It is quite similar to E.sticticana and has only recently been split from E.cirsiana. Often it is necessary to study the genitalia structure to be certain of identification.

The species flies in May and June, occupying rough ground and meadows, and can be seen resting on the foodplant by day. It is fairly common throughout the British Isles. The larvae feed on spear thistle (Cirsium vulgare) and musk thistle (Carduus nutans), living in the stems and roots.

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