Larch Twist
Common NameLarch Twist
Scientific NameZeiraphera improbana
FamilyTortricidae
SubfamilyOlethreutinae
Wingspan (mm)14
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, tan, black, white
HabitatConiferous forests, especially larch stands
Geographic RangeEurope, Siberia, Japan
Host PlantsLarix (larch) species
Flight PeriodJuly to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are greenish and feed on the needles and young shoots of larch trees, often causing damage by boring into buds or webbing needles together. Pupation typically occurs in the soil.
Identification TipsKey features include the specific mottled forewing pattern with the distinct yellowish-tan patch, and its strong association with larch trees. Careful examination is needed to distinguish it from similar *Zeiraphera* species.
Description
A small, cryptically patterned moth with mottled dark brown, black, and white forewings, featuring a prominent, irregular yellowish-tan patch on the dorsal half. Its antennae are slender and filiform.
