Epinotia thapsiana
Common NameEpinotia thapsiana
Scientific NameEpinotia thapsiana
FamilyTortricidae
SubfamilyOlethreutinae
Wingspan (mm)12
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorscream, dark brown, black
HabitatDry grasslands, waste ground, roadsides, open woodlands where host plants grow
Geographic RangeEurope, including the British Isles, and parts of Asia
Host PlantsVerbascum thapsus, Verbascum nigrum, Verbascum blattaria
Flight PeriodJune to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUnivoltine, larvae initially mine the leaves of Verbascum species, then feed externally in spun shoots or flowers. Pupation occurs in a cocoon, often in the soil or leaf litter.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its small size, the specific mottled pattern of cream and dark brown/black, and the characteristic raised scales on the forewings. Often found near its Verbascum host plants.
Description
A small moth with forewings mottled in creamy white, pale brown, and dark brown/black, often featuring a prominent dark costal blotch and raised scales giving a 'humped' appearance at rest.
