Pale Lettuce Bell
Common NamePale Lettuce Bell
Scientific NameEucosma lacteana
FamilyTortricidae
SubfamilyOlethreutinae
Wingspan (mm)16.5
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorscream, pale brown, dark brown
HabitatGardens, waste ground, meadows, woodland edges, areas with host plants
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia
Host PlantsLactuca, Sonchus, Cichorium
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae bore into the roots and lower stems of various Asteraceae plants, pupating in a cocoon in the soil or within the plant stem.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its small size, pale cream ground color, and the characteristic mottled brown markings on the forewings, often with an obscure pattern. It typically rests with wings folded flat over the body.
Description
A small moth with cream-colored forewings heavily mottled and streaked with various shades of light to reddish-brown, providing excellent camouflage against bark or dry vegetation.
