Cone Tortrix
Common NameCone Tortrix
Scientific NameCydia strobilella
FamilyTortricidae
SubfamilyOlethreutinae
Wingspan (mm)14
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorslight brown, grey, dark brown
HabitatConiferous forests, especially spruce forests
Geographic RangeEurope, North America
Host Plantsspruce (Picea spp.), fir (Abies spp.)
Flight PeriodMay to July
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae develop inside spruce cones, feeding on the developing seeds. Pupation typically occurs within the cone or in the soil beneath the host tree.
Identification TipsLook for its small size, the distinctive mottled brown and grey forewing pattern with darker markings, and its strong association with spruce trees and their cones.
Description
A small, cryptically colored moth with mottled light brown and grey forewings, marked with darker brown or black bands and spots, giving it a somewhat checkered appearance.
