Jordanita hispanica (Alberti, 1937)

Host plants:
The larvae feed on Centaurea, especially Centaurea ornata, but e.g. also species of the C. paniculata and C. scabiosa group.

Habitat:
Jordanita hispanica inhabits most often extensively grazed nutrient-poor grasslands, often in the vicinity or in open Woodlands, in medium-high altitudes (especially 700 - 1500m, sometimes even lower).

Life cycle:
The larvae hibernate. I recorded already fully-grown larvae in central Spain (Province of Truel) in early April 2024. The larvae could be found due to their feeding pattern on the ground leaves of Centaurea ornata and C. scabiosa ssp. cephalariifolia. Pupation occurs in a cocoon in or on the soil. The moths occur mainly between late May and early July. Oviposition often takes place singly on flower stems.

Remarks:
Jordanita hispanica occurs from Spain and eastern Portugal to southern France. In some regions of Spain it is still not scarce (especially in the centre and the northeast), but in S-France it is very local only. Especially in S-Spain there is another, similar species (J. vartianae). Because J. notata is Always common there (and except in southern Spain sometimes also J. globulariae) a genital examination is necessary.
Jordanita hispanica is especially endangered by loss of habitat due to more intense usage (e.g. too much grazing, transfer into arable land etc.), but also abandonment and subsequent bush encroachment or even human-based dense afforestation may be a problem. Global warming will also affect especially lower sites.