Tortricidae

49.252 Common Spruce Tortrix Epinotia tedella (Clerck, 1759)

Common

Similar species:

Forewing: 4.5 to 6mm

Habitats: Conifer plantations, mixed woodland and gardens.

Habits: The moth is easily disturbed from the branches of spruce. It flies on sunny afternoons and towards sunset. It later comes to light.

Foodplant: The larva at first mines the terminal needles on the side shoots of Norway Spruce. It later spins an untidy shelter of needles and brown silk where the larva overwinters. It exits this shelter when full-fed in the spring. It pupates in a cocoon spun amongst the fallen needles on the ground. On the European mainland it has also been recorded from European White Fir, Scots Pine and Juniper.