Apple Marble
Common NameApple Marble
Scientific NameBlastobasis adustella
FamilyBlastobasidae
SubfamilyBlastobasinae
Wingspan (mm)10
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, white
HabitatOrchards, gardens, woodlands, areas with decaying plant matter
Geographic RangeEurope, North America (introduced)
Host Plantsdecaying plant matter, fallen fruit (e.g., apples), damaged bark
Flight PeriodJune to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are polyphagous detritivores, feeding on decaying plant material, fallen fruit, or damaged bark. Pupation occurs in a cocoon.
Identification TipsLook for its small size, tent-like resting posture, and the distinctive marbled pattern on its forewings, often with a darker basal area and lighter, irregular markings.
Description
A small moth with cryptically patterned forewings, featuring a mottled mix of brown, grey, and white, resembling marble. It typically rests with its wings held in a tent-like fashion.
