Dotted Shade
Common NameDotted Shade
Scientific NameAgonopterix ocellana
FamilyDepressariidae
SubfamilyDepressariinae
Wingspan (mm)17.5
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, white
HabitatGardens, hedgerows, woodland edges, orchards, and areas with host plants.
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia, and introduced to North America.
Host Plantshawthorn, blackthorn, apple, pear, rowan, willow
Flight PeriodAugust to May (overwintering as adults)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on the leaves of various Rosaceae shrubs and trees, often spinning leaves together. Pupation occurs in a cocoon, and adults emerge in late summer, overwinter, and then mate and lay eggs in the spring.
Identification TipsLook for its small size, slender body, and pale grey-brown cryptic coloration. The most distinctive features are the prominent, upturned labial palps and the characteristic resting posture with wings folded flat.
Description
A small, slender moth with pale greyish-brown forewings, often mottled with darker scales and featuring a subtle dark spot. It has prominent, upturned labial palps and rests with its wings folded flat over its body.
