Cock's-head Bell
Common NameCock's-head Bell
Scientific NameGrapholita orobana
FamilyTortricidae
SubfamilyOlethreutinae
Wingspan (mm)12
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, white
HabitatDry grasslands, chalk downlands, heathlands, open woodlands
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia
Host PlantsOnobrychis viciifolia, Lathyrus spp.
Flight PeriodMay to July
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae bore into the seed pods of various legumes, feeding on the developing seeds. Pupation occurs in a cocoon, often in the soil or leaf litter.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its small size, cryptic mottled brown and grey forewings, and the specific pattern of darker markings, including a subtle bell-shaped marking near the tornus. Often found near its host plants like Sainfoin.
Description
A small, cryptically patterned moth with mottled brown, grey, and white forewings, often with darker markings and a pale subterminal line.
