Sallow Button
Common NameSallow Button
Scientific NamePammene fasciana
FamilyTortricidae
SubfamilyOlethreutinae
Wingspan (mm)12
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, cream, dark brown
HabitatDeciduous woodlands, parks, gardens, especially where oak and sweet chestnut are present.
Geographic RangeEurope, extending into parts of Asia.
Host PlantsQuercus (oak), Castanea sativa (sweet chestnut)
Flight PeriodLate May to July
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae develop inside acorns or sweet chestnuts, feeding on the developing seed. They overwinter as pupae in cocoons in the soil or leaf litter.
Identification TipsKey features include the distinctive pale, irregular fascia (band) across the forewing, contrasting with the darker brown ground color, and dark markings, particularly the ocellus near the tornus. Its small size and association with oak and sweet chestnut trees are also good indicators.
Description
A small, cryptically patterned moth with mottled brown and cream forewings, featuring a prominent pale, irregular fascia across the middle and darker markings towards the termen.
