Acorn Piercer
Common NameAcorn Piercer
Scientific NameCydia splendana
FamilyTortricidae
SubfamilyOlethreutinae
Wingspan (mm)14
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorscream, brown, black
HabitatOak and chestnut woodlands, forests, parks, and gardens
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia, North Africa
Host Plantsoak (Quercus spp.), sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa)
Flight PeriodJuly to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae bore into and feed within developing acorns and chestnuts, causing them to drop prematurely. They then leave the fruit to pupate in the soil or under bark.
Identification TipsIdentified by its distinctive mottled brown and cream forewing pattern, particularly the dark patch near the wing's rear angle. Its presence is strongly associated with oak and chestnut trees.
Description
A small moth with cryptically patterned forewings, displaying a mottled mix of creamy white, light brown, dark brown, and black markings, often with a prominent dark patch near the tornus.
