Jordanita globulariae (Hübner, 1793)

Host plants:
Many Centaurea species, especially Centaurea jacea. In the south the caterpillars also occur on thistles (Cirsium etc.).

Habitat:
Jordanita globulariae colonizes calcareous grasslands, but also other nutrient-poor grasslands and pastures. It is lacking in many places in the Alps, especially in the north.

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. The moths fly in June and July or even early August. 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: endangered

Endangerment factors:
Jordanita globulariae is highly threatened by habitat loss (bush encroachment, abandonment of the transhumance, but also too intense grazing in pens, reforestation, overbuilding, felting).

Remarks:
Distribution extends from northeastern Spain to the Urals. It is missing in the very north and south of Europe.