Adscita obscura (Zeller, 1847)

Host plants:
The larvae use especially Sarcopoterium (e.g. east Aegean Islands like Lesbos, many observed ovipositions in Lesbos in May 2022), but in regions where this genus misses (northern distribution and in some altitude) probably the closely related Sanguisorba (e.g. minor). It is possible that the larva also lives on Helianthemum species, but the females neglected this genus and also Cistus (where they were nectaring) in Lesbos island.

Habitat:
Adscita obscura inhabits open or semi-open, dry and warm habitats. It is especially common in garrigues if Sarcopoterium occurs. It is e.g. common in many parts of Lesbos.

Life cycle:
The moths occur between late April and June. Oviposition usually occurs in small groups on stems and leaves of the host plant. The larvae develop some time until the summer drought and aestivate then in a special instar within a cocoon. They restart development from autumnal rainfalls. In winter they interrupt development only in the beginning and in very cold temperatures. The larva is mature in early spring (March, in higher altitudes or in the north also in April).

Remarks:
Adscita obscura occurs in SE-Europe (southern Balkans, S-Russia) and parts of W-Asia to Iran.