Scarce oak knot-horn
Common NameScarce oak knot-horn
Scientific NamePhycita roborella
FamilyPyralidae
SubfamilyPhycitinae
Wingspan (mm)25
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, white, reddish-brown
HabitatOak woodlands, forests, parks, and gardens where oak trees are present.
Geographic RangeWidespread across Europe and extending into parts of Asia.
Host Plantsoak (Quercus spp.)
Flight PeriodJune to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on the leaves of oak trees, often spinning leaves together. Pupation occurs in a cocoon, typically on the host plant or in leaf litter.
Identification TipsKey features include the distinctive white transverse band across the forewing, often bordered by darker brown, and a dark streak near the base of the forewing. The overall mottled grey-brown coloration provides camouflage against tree bark.
Description
A medium-sized moth with cryptically patterned forewings, predominantly mottled grey-brown with a prominent white transverse band and a dark basal streak.
