Marbled Piercer
Common NameMarbled Piercer
Scientific NameCelypha lacunana
FamilyTortricidae
SubfamilyOlethreutinae
Wingspan (mm)19
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, cream
HabitatGardens, woodlands, grasslands, waste ground, hedgerows
Geographic RangeEurope, Asia, North America (introduced)
Host Plantsdock, dandelion, nettle, bramble, willowherb, various herbaceous plants
Flight PeriodMay to October (bivoltine)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are polyphagous, feeding on a wide variety of herbaceous plants and shrubs, often spinning leaves together. Pupation occurs in a cocoon within the larval feeding site.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive marbled forewing pattern, particularly the dark basal area and the contrasting paler central band. The moth's small size and resting posture are typical of Tortricidae.
Description
A small moth with forewings displaying a complex marbled pattern of brown, grey, and cream, often featuring a distinct dark brown basal patch and a paler central band.
