62.011 BF1450

Ortholepis betulae

(Goeze, 1778)

[Synonyms: Metriostola betulae]

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Wingspan c.25mm.

Locally distributed on sandy heaths throughout much of England with some records from southern Scotland, this species can be confused with Apomeylois bistriatella and Pyla fusca.

Adult moths fly in July and can be elusive though the are attracted to light. When fresh, they show a pair of raised scale tufts on the upper part of the forewing.

The larva spins a silken web on the upperside of a leaf of birch Betulae, feeding on the leaf, and can be found in June and July.