The plant is sometimes confused with Devils-bit Scabious, however the leaves on this plant are arranged alternately, whereas in Devils-bit they are opposite.
The larvae feed on the flower buds and developing florets of Centaurea scabiosa.
In captivity the larvae have been recorded feeding on Achillea millerfolium, Galatella linosyris, Centaurea scabiosa, Salvia pratensis, Plantago and Inula species.
Centaurea | Centaurea nigra | Scabiosa | Centaurea scabiosa | Centaurea jacea | Centaurea maculosa | Mined leaf of ''Centaurea nigra | Leaf of ''Centaurea scabiosa | Centaurea montana | Centaurea iberica | Centaurea diffusa | Centaurea cineraria | A shoot of ''Centaurea nigra |