Merulempista turturella
Common NameMerulempista turturella
Scientific NameMerulempista turturella
FamilyPyralidae
SubfamilyPhycitinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, black
HabitatConiferous forests, pine woodlands
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia
Host PlantsPinus (pine species)
Flight PeriodMay to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis; larvae feed on pine needles, pupating in a cocoon before emerging as an adult moth.
Identification TipsKey features include the overall greyish-brown cryptic coloration, the distinct dark transverse band near the base of the forewing, and its association with pine trees.
Description
A small, slender moth with cryptic greyish-brown forewings mottled with darker streaks and spots, featuring a prominent dark transverse band near the base.
