Purple Marbled
Common NamePurple Marbled
Scientific NameOlethreutes lacunana
FamilyTortricidae
SubfamilyOlethreutinae
Wingspan (mm)15
Primary Colorsbrown, purple, grey, white
HabitatWoodlands, hedgerows, gardens, meadows, fens
Geographic RangeEurope, Asia, North America
Host PlantsUrtica dioica, Rubus, Filipendula ulmaria, Epilobium, Cirsium, Solidago, Vaccinium, Salix, Populus, Betula, Rosa, Fragaria, Trifolium
Flight PeriodMay to September (two generations)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are polyphagous, feeding within spun leaves or stems of a wide variety of herbaceous plants and shrubs. They overwinter as pupae or larvae.
Identification TipsLook for the characteristic mottled pattern with a prominent purplish or reddish-brown patch near the inner angle of the forewing. Its small size and variable coloration are key features.
Description
A small moth with highly variable forewings mottled with shades of brown, grey, and reddish-purple, often featuring a distinct purplish patch near the tornus.
