Spangled Pelochrista
Common NameSpangled Pelochrista
Scientific NamePelochrista scintillana
FamilyTortricidae
SubfamilyOlethreutinae
Wingspan (mm)16
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, cream, black
HabitatDry grasslands, heathlands, open woodlands, areas with host plants
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia
Host PlantsCentaurea scabiosa, knapweeds
Flight PeriodJune to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae bore into the stems or roots of host plants, primarily knapweeds. Pupation typically occurs within the host plant or in the soil.
Identification TipsKey features include the specific arrangement of pale, often metallic, bands and dark spots on the forewings, particularly the prominent black markings near the termen and the overall cryptic coloration.
Description
A small moth with cryptically patterned forewings, featuring a mix of pale grey-brown and cream/pale yellow bands, often with a metallic sheen, and distinct black spots near the outer margin.
