Marbled Orchard Tortrix Hedya nubiferana - Distribution map

Please note that the NBN Gateway map service has been terminated as of 1 April 2017.

As soon as a replacement map service is available, distribution maps will hopefully appear here again.

In the meantime, you can get some idea of distribution from the NBN Atlas website.

View the NBN Atlas Map

49.156 BF1083

Marbled Orchard Tortrix Hedya nubiferana

(Haworth, 1811)

[Synonyms: dimidoalba]
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.



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.
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