About Xyphosia miliaria (Schrank, 1781)
Xyphosia miliaria can reach a body length of 5–8 mm (0.2–0.3 in) and a wingspan of 15–18 mm (0.6–0.7 in). Its thorax and abdomen are yellowish, sparsely covered in long bristles, and its mesonotum is longer than it is wide. Males of this species have a rounded abdomen, while females have an elongated abdomen; females also have a dark brown, pointed ovipositor at the tip of the abdomen. This species has large, orange-red compound eyes, and its wings feature distinctive dark markings at the apex and along transverse lines. Xyphosia miliaria is distributed across most of Europe, the eastern Palearctic realm, and the Near East. It can be found in wet meadows, parks, and gardens where thistles grow.
