49.156 BF1083

Marbled Orchard Tortrix Hedya nubiferana

(Haworth, 1811)

[Synonyms: dimidoalba]

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Wingspan 15-21 mm.

One of many similar species which mimics a bird-dropping when at rest, this is a common species throughout Britain.

The larvae feed on a variety of trees including hawthorn (Crataegus) and blackthorn (Prunus spinosa).

Flying from dusk into the night, between June and August, the adult is easily attracted to light.

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Larva: (description Ian F. Smith)

Foodplant: August to May. In spun leaves and flowers of Crataegus, Prunus and, occasionally, other tree species.
Length: 13 mm described. Late May.
Head: Black. Whitish clypeus. Mouthparts dark reddish brown.
Prothorax (T1): Anterior margin whitish, translucent. Prothoracic shield pitchy black, divided by a thin medial line which is concolorous with body.
Thoracic legs: Black. (BTS; or dark brown)
Body: Translucent grey-green (BTS; to dark olive-green). Orange-brown gonads visible in segment A5.
Spiracles: Black peritreme.
Pinacula: Black with more intensely black setal spot.
Setae: Long, fine, transparent, faintly grey.
Anal segment (A10): Pitchy black anal comb with about 4 prongs. Anal plate blackish, fading to brownish centrally.
Prolegs: Translucent. Concolorous with abdomen. Planta transparent. Crochets pitchy brown. Anal proleg has large black lateral sclerite on outer face, and a smaller greyish sclerite with two black marks on inner-posterior face.