Shoulder-spot Marble
Common NameShoulder-spot Marble
Scientific NameOlethreutes arcuella
FamilyTortricidae
SubfamilyOlethreutinae
Wingspan (mm)17
Primary Colorsdark brown, cream, black
HabitatWoodlands, heathlands, gardens, scrubland
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia
Host PlantsCalluna vulgaris, Vaccinium myrtillus, various herbaceous plants
Flight PeriodMay to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are polyphagous, feeding on a variety of herbaceous plants and shrubs, and typically pupate in a cocoon among leaf litter or in the soil.
Identification TipsKey features for identification include the distinctive dark brown/black basal patch on the forewing, which gives it its 'shoulder-spot' name, and the contrasting pale, marbled outer half of the wing.
Description
A small moth characterized by its dark brown to black forewings, featuring a prominent dark basal patch that sharply contrasts with a creamy white or pale brown distal half adorned with darker marbling.
