Last modified: Dec. 27, 2023, 12:09 p.m.
A very rare and local species in Belgium. Recently rediscovered in LG.
Native
Wingspan 11–15 mm. Resembles Grapholita lunulana but G. orobana has a broader forewing and the white curved dorsal blotch is often slightly constricted in the middle.
The young caterpillar is whitish. When becoming full grown it is orange-colored with fine dark spots, the head and neck shield are dark brown, as is the anal valve. Sometimes the head can be pale brown, the neck shield with same color as the body, lined with dark brown at the back.
The larva lives in the pods on the host plant. When fully grown leaves the pod and overwinters in a tough silken cocoon in the soil or underneath ground litter.
Adult moths fly in afternoon sunshine, and later are attracted to light.
The adults have been seen from late May towards late July.
It inhabits open places like flowery meadows, grasslands, herb-rich roadsides etc...