Dark Spruce Knot-horn
Common NameDark Spruce Knot-horn
Scientific NameDioryctria abietella
FamilyPyralidae
SubfamilyPhycitinae
Wingspan (mm)25
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, black, white
HabitatConiferous forests, spruce plantations, parks
Geographic RangeEurope, Asia, North America
Host Plantsspruce, fir, pine, larch
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae bore into the cones, shoots, or bark of various conifer trees, causing damage. Pupation occurs in a silken cocoon within the larval gallery or in the soil.
Identification TipsLook for its mottled grey and black cryptic pattern, especially the dark transverse band on the forewings. It is strongly associated with conifer trees, particularly spruce.
Description
A small moth with cryptically patterned forewings, featuring a mottled mix of grey, black, and white scales, often with a distinct dark transverse band.
