49.225 BF1205a

Spilonota laricana

(Heinemann, 1863)

---

Wingspan c. 15mm.

Formerly considered a form of Bud Moth Spilonota ocellana, this moth has since been elevated to species level. It occurs in the southern half of Britain where it can be relatively common.

Adult moths fly between June and August, and the larvae feed on larch (Larix), sometimes other coniferous trees, mining the needles at first, then overwintering and feeding on the young buds in spring.