Status and Distribution
Common and widespread across the British Isles and Channel Islands. Apparently absent from Orkney, Shetland and the Outer Hebrides.
National Status:
Bradley & Fletcher no:
Provisional Map
Maps updated with all data received by January 2020.
Imago
Larva
The last three photographs show the larva immediately prior to pupation when it develops this pinkish hue.
Dissection Group
Foodplant and Larval Feeding Signs
Betula spp. including B. pendula (silver birch), and Corylus avellana (hazel), see plant distribution map for hazel. In Europe also recorded on Alnus glutinosa (alder), Carpinus betulus (hornbeam) and Populus tremula (aspen).
The larva feeds within a longitudinally rolled leaf.
Foodplant Map
Habitat
In deciduous woodland, hedgerows, scrub and heaths whereever either of the foodplants occur.
Finding the Moth
Larva: within rolled leaves from May to early July.
Adult: can be disturbed from trees during the day, flies at night and comes readily to light.
Similar Species
The long thin shape of the moth and the distinctive dark costal triangle on a pale background make this a distinctive species.
Larval Occurrence
Flight Period
From July to mid-October; has on rare occasions been found in May, June and as late as mid-November.