Marbled Bell
Common NameMarbled Bell
Scientific NameEucosma hohenwartiana
FamilyTortricidae
SubfamilyOlethreutinae
Wingspan (mm)17
Primary Colorswhite, dark brown, black
HabitatMeadows, grasslands, dry slopes, chalk downlands, open woodlands
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia, introduced to North America
Host Plantsthistles (Cirsium, Carduus), knapweeds (Centaurea)
Flight PeriodMay to August
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed internally within the flowerheads or stems of various Asteraceae plants, pupating in a cocoon typically in the soil or among plant debris.
Identification TipsLook for the small size, the distinctive marbled pattern of white and dark brown/black on the forewings, and the prominent dark blotch near the outer margin of the wing.
Description
A small moth with white or cream forewings intricately marked with irregular dark brown and black blotches, often featuring a distinct dark patch near the tornus.
