Spruce Seed Moth
Common NameSpruce Seed Moth
Scientific NameCydia strobilella
FamilyTortricidae
SubfamilyOlethreutinae
Wingspan (mm)14
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, silver
HabitatConiferous forests, especially spruce forests
Geographic RangeHolarctic (Europe, Asia, North America)
Host PlantsPicea abies, Picea spp.
Flight PeriodMay to July
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae develop inside spruce cones, feeding on the developing seeds. Pupation occurs within the cone or in the soil, with one generation per year.
Identification TipsKey features include its small size, mottled brown/grey forewings with specific silvery-white markings on the outer half, and its association with spruce trees.
Description
A small, cryptically colored moth with mottled brown and grey forewings, featuring distinctive silvery-white transverse markings towards the outer margin.
