49.3 BF1209

Pine Bud Moth Pseudococcyx turionella

(Linnaeus, 1758)

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Wingspan 14-21 mm.

Fairly common in southern parts of England, and in Scotland, but scarcer in between, one of several related species that feed on coniferous trees.

The adults are on the wing during May and June. They are quite distinctive with their combination of chestnut and grey forewings, and orange head and labial palps. Another useful pointer is the pale or whitish hindwing, when visible.

The larvae feed inside the buds and shoots of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) and occasionally other pine species.