Agile Bell
Common NameAgile Bell
Scientific NamePristerognatha agilana
FamilyTortricidae
SubfamilyOlethreutinae
Wingspan (mm)14
Primary Colorsdark brown, black, golden
HabitatWoodlands, hedgerows, gardens, scrubland
Geographic RangeEurope (widespread, including UK)
Host PlantsCrataegus, Prunus, Malus, Sorbus, Quercus, Betula, Salix
Flight PeriodMay to July
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed internally within spun leaves or shoots of various broad-leaved trees and shrubs, pupating within the larval shelter or on the ground.
Identification TipsKey features include the dark, mottled forewings with golden markings, the small size, and the presence of a raised thoracic tuft. Distinguishing from similar species often requires examination of genitalia.
Description
A small, dark brown to black moth with intricate golden-brown or ochreous mottling and speckles across its forewings, giving it a cryptic appearance. It often has a distinctive raised tuft of scales on its thorax.
