Thicket Twist
Common NameThicket Twist
Scientific NameAcleris variegana
FamilyTortricidae
SubfamilyTortricinae
Wingspan (mm)14
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, tan, dark brown
HabitatWoodlands, gardens, hedgerows, orchards
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, Asia, North America (introduced)
Host Plantsrose, bramble, hawthorn, cherry, apple, willow, birch
Flight PeriodMay to July, August to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on leaves, buds, and flowers of various woody plants, often rolling or tying leaves together. Overwinters as an egg or pupa.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its bark-like camouflage, the specific pattern of oblique dark bands on the forewings, and its resting posture with wings held flat and somewhat triangular.
Description
A small, cryptically patterned moth with mottled brown and tan forewings featuring darker oblique bands, providing excellent camouflage against tree bark.
