49.329 BF1266a

Cydia illutana

(Herrich-Schäffer, 1851)

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Wingspan c.12-14mm.

This is a rather scarce species, only relatively recently discovered in the British Isles, when one was found in Hampshire in 1975, although it was only identified later when another turned up in Berkshire in 1984.

Since then a number of examples have appeared, and the adult shown from Worcester was attracted to light in a garden, constituting the first county record.

The larvae feed on the seeds in cones of a number of coniferous trees, such as European larch (Larix decidua), and silver fir (Abies alba).

Adults are typically on the wing in June.