As awareness for insect species as valuable organisms is increasing among people measures for their protection are undertaken. In this course, seed mixtures are offered which are said to benefit butterfly and insect life. However, most of these mixtures preferentially contain seeds of non-native flower species which do not serve as food source for caterpillars. Among these flower-species Centaurea cyaneus is often included in the seed mixtures. I would like to know which butterfly or moth species really utilize Centaurea cyaneus as nutritional source for their caterpillars. Documentations and published data are welcome!
Vanessa cardui caterpillars are known to feed on Centaurea species. However, I do not have any documentation that they feed on Centaurea cyaneus. Are there published data/observations?
Perhaps also check if Melitaea phoebe is one the species that feed on this plant.
Best,
Guy
Dear Guy,
thanks for your suggestion! Do you have clear evidence that M. phoebe caterpillars feed on Centaurea cyanus? Is there any publication or an image?
Best wishes, Peter
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