Gorse Tip Moth
Common NameGorse Tip Moth
Scientific NameCelypha striana
FamilyTortricidae
SubfamilyOlethreutinae
Wingspan (mm)19
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorspale ochre, yellowish-brown, dark brown, reddish-brown
HabitatHeathland, scrub, coastal areas, grasslands, anywhere gorse and broom grow
Geographic RangeEurope, including the UK, and parts of Asia
Host PlantsGorse (Ulex spp.), Broom (Cytisus spp.)
Flight PeriodJune to August
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed internally within the seed pods of gorse and broom, overwintering as larvae before pupating in spring.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive pale ochreous forewings with two dark, somewhat rectangular blotches (one on the leading edge, one on the trailing edge) and the reddish-brown coloration at the wing apex.
Description
A small moth with pale ochreous to yellowish-brown forewings, featuring two prominent dark brown blotches and a reddish-brown tinge at the wing tips.
