Eye-spotted Bud Moth
Common NameEye-spotted Bud Moth
Scientific NameSpilonota ocellana
FamilyTortricidae
SubfamilyOlethreutinae
Wingspan (mm)12
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, white
HabitatOrchards, gardens, woodlands, hedgerows
Geographic RangeHolarctic (Europe, Asia, North America)
Host Plantsapple, pear, plum, cherry, hawthorn, rose, willow, birch, oak
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae overwinter in silken cocoons, emerging in spring to feed on buds and young leaves. They pupate in spun leaves or bark crevices, typically having two generations per year.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive broad, irregular white or cream median band on the forewings, contrasting with the darker brown and grey mottling. Its small size and typical tortricid resting posture (wings folded tent-like) are also key.
Description
A small moth with mottled dark brown and grey forewings, characterized by a prominent, irregular white or cream band across the middle.
