Obscure Tortrix
Common NameObscure Tortrix
Scientific NameSyndemis musculana
FamilyTortricidae
SubfamilyTortricinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorslight brown, ochre, dark brown
HabitatWoodlands, heathland, gardens, open habitats
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia, North America (introduced)
Host Plantsoak, birch, willow, hawthorn, heather, bilberry
Flight PeriodMay to July
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are polyphagous, feeding on leaves of various trees and shrubs, often spinning them together. Pupation occurs in a cocoon among the leaves.
Identification TipsKey features include the overall cryptic light brown/ochreous coloration with fine speckling and the characteristic resting posture with somewhat rectangular wings.
Description
A small, cryptically colored moth with light brown to ochreous forewings mottled with fine darker brown speckles, giving it a camouflaged appearance.
