Cirrhia gilvago ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)

Host plants:
The larvae usually feed on elm, especially on flowers and fruits. They are also reported from some other tree species like especially poplars. Later they may drop on the ground (but only partially) and are then polyphagous.

Habitat:
Cirrhia gilvago especially inhabits riparian woodlands, but is also found in many grove-rich environments in the lowlands and medium-high altitudes. Cirrhia gilvago needs trees with flower buds.

Life cycle:
The egg hibernates usually in small groups of most often 2-5 in the angle between flower bud and twig. The eggs are more flattened than those of the often also found Sunira circellaris.
The larva lives in spring between late February and May/early June usually well hidden in the flowers. The L1 buries itself into the flower bud. The larva can be found in samples of flowering or fruiting elm twigs or poplar kittens. It is characterized by a light, contrasting ventral side and a red head. The prepupa lays for some months in the cocoon. The moths are found in late summer and autumn (late August to late October). In 2023 I recorded first fresh eggs after som cool nights (which probably induced eclosion) in late September (Stuttgart).

Remarks:
Cirrhia gilvago occurs from NW-Africa across the more central parts of Europe and Turkey to Sibiria.