White-backed Marble
Common NameWhite-backed Marble
Scientific NameOlethreutes arcuella
FamilyTortricidae
SubfamilyOlethreutinae
Wingspan (mm)14
Primary Colorswhite, black, grey, brown
HabitatWoodlands, forests, gardens, hedgerows
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia
Host Plantsoak, birch, willow, hazel, hawthorn
Flight PeriodMay to July
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on the leaves of various deciduous trees and shrubs, often rolling or tying them together. Pupation occurs within a cocoon.
Identification TipsIdentify by the distinctive marbled pattern on the forewings, combining white, black, and greyish-brown patches, and its relatively small size.
Description
A small moth characterized by its intricate, mottled forewing pattern of white, black, and brownish-grey scales, resembling marble. The head and thorax are often conspicuously whitish.
