49.24 BF1136

Epinotia immundana

(Fischer von Röslerstamm, 1839)

Wingspan 12-14 mm.

Generally distributed throughout the British Isles, this species is fairly common in some places. It inhabits woodland, heathland and river banks, where the larvae feed on alder (Alnus glutinosa) and birch (Betula).

The first generation feeds in the catkins, and there is a second generation in mid summer that rolls a leaf longitudinally and feeds within.

The species is quite variable, with the paler diamond-shaped patch on the dorsal area sometimes obscured, yet sometimes contrasting strongly.

The moths fly in spring, from April to June, and in the south, again in August and September.