Sycamore Piercer
Common NameSycamore Piercer
Scientific NamePammene fasciana
FamilyTortricidae
SubfamilyOlethreutinae
Wingspan (mm)10
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, bronze, dark brown
HabitatWoodlands, forests, parks, and gardens where host trees are present
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia
Host Plantsoak, sycamore
Flight PeriodMay to July
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae bore into the fruits of host trees, primarily acorns of oak or fruits of sycamore, where they feed and develop. Pupation typically occurs in a cocoon in the soil or under bark.
Identification TipsKey identification features include its small size, the overall mottled brown and bronze coloration of the forewings, and the prominent, often metallic-sheened dark patch located at the rear corner (tornus) of the forewing.
Description
A small moth with mottled brown and bronze forewings, featuring a distinctive dark, somewhat iridescent patch at the tornus.
