36.002 Batrachedra pinicolella Copyright Martin Evans
Distribution map Copyright Martin Evans
Life stages table Copyright Martin Evans 36.002 Batrachedra pinicolella Copyright Martin Evans

Batrachedridae

36.002 Spruce Needle-moth Batrachedra pinicolella (Zeller, 1839)

Notable B

Similar species: Batrachedra confusella. Check genitalia.

Forewing: 4.5 to 6mm

Habitats: Coniferous or mixed woodland.

* The Distribution Map includes records of Batrachedra confusella as they were only recently separated.

Habits: The moth occasionally comes to light.

Foodplant: The larva at first mines a needle of Norway Spruce from the base, but then moves to a silk gallery on a twig from where it mines the needles producing much yellow frass. It pupates in a cylindrical cocoon on the lower side of a twig.