Panermia tenebrata (Scopoli, 1763)

Host plants:
The species oviposits on flowers of Cerastium species. Particularly important are Cerastium fontanum, Cerastium arvense and Cerasium holosteoides. Rarely also other, similar Caryophyllaceae are used, e.g. Stellaria.

Habitat:
Panermia tenebrata inhabits extensive grassland of all types as well as edges and open spots in woods (clearings with Cerastium holosteoides). I observed particularly high abundances in dry, loose orchards meadows (with Salvia pratensis and Arrhenaterum elatius).

Life cycle:
The pupa hibernates. The moths fly in spring (April to early June) in a single generation. In the warmest regions there may follow a numerically insignificant partial second generation in July/August. The caterpillar lives in May and June at the flowers and fruits, as well as on the leaves of the host plants.

Endangerment: regionally endangered or decreasing

Endangerment factors:
Since extensively managed meadows have become very rare, even the quite adaptable species is under a certain threat.

Remarks:
Panermia tenebrata occurs from Northern Spain across much of Europe to the Urals and locally in Western Asia.