Jordanita globulariae (Hübner, 1793)

Host plants:
In the first place Centaurea jacea, in lower priority also C. scabiosa and presumably also further Centaurea species. In the south the caterpillars reputedly also occur on thistles (Cirsium etc.). But C. jacea is by far the most important host plant which determines the distribution area. In central Spain (Guadalajara: Chequilla) nearly all larvae have also been found on C. jacea.

Habitat:
Jordanita globulariae colonizes calcareous grasslands, but also other nutrient-poor grasslands and pastures, partly also humid grasslands. It is lacking in many places in the northern Alps, but is partly common in the southern and soutwestern Alps. In Spain (Guadalajara) Jordanita globulariae settled especieally in humid pastures or other temporarily humid stands of Centaurea jacea which is quite local there.

Life cycle:
Hibernated caterpillars are found from late March to May/early June. They feed in space mines, where they also sometimes rest. But they hide often in the moss layer, too. Pupation occurs in the soil in a two-layered cocoon typical for Jordanita species. The moths fly in June and July or even early August, in the south supposedly already from mid- or late May. They love to feed nectar on Scabiosa, Knautia, Centaurea or yellow Asteraceae like Buphthalmum or Inula. Oviposition occurs singly or in small groups on the stems and lower sides of leaves.

Endangerment factors:
Jordanita globulariae has already been pushed back to small remnants mainly by agricultural intensification especially in central Europe. But it is still highly threatened by further habitat loss (bush encroachment, abandonment of the transhumance, but also too intense grazing in pens, reforestation, overbuilding, felting).

Remarks:
Distribution extends from central Spain (Teruel, Guadalajara) to the Urals. It is missing in the very north and south of Europe.