Epinotia nigricana (Herrich-Schäffer, 1851) Species
Last modified: Feb. 16, 2024, 6:10 p.m.
A very rare and local species in Belgium. After 2000 only known from very scarce observations in LX.
Details
- Classification
- Family: Tortricidae > Subfamily: Olethreutinae > Tribus: Eucosmini > Genus: Epinotia > Species: Epinotia nigricana
- Vernacular names
- Zwarte oogbladroller (NL), Fir Bell, Fir-bud Tortrix (EN)
- Synonyms
- Epinotia tenebrosana sensu auct.
- First mention in Belgium
- De Fré Ch. 1858. Catalogue des Microlépidoptères de la Belgique. — Annales de la Société entomologique belge 2: 45–162. On page 87.
- Status
-
Native
Distribution
Imago
Wingspan 11–13 mm. Resembles in coloration to Epinotia nanana but E. nigricana is larger and differs in the basal patch of the forewing which is angulated above the middle whereas in Epinotia nanana the outer edge is angulated below the middle.
Grey-brown forewings with diffuse grey transverse bands. One of them just inside the middle and one from the back corner diagonally towards the front edge. The inner transverse band is usually distinctly white along the inner edge in the posterior half.
Museum specimens
No pictures yet!Specimens in nature
Caterpillar
Brownish abdomen with a black head and neck shield, anal valve as abdomen.
Bionomics
Tha larva bores in a terminal bud from autumn till spring. Infested buds remain behind when the uninhabited ones begin to sprout. It needs several buds to complete its development. Pupation often between the needles in a gray cocoon or on the ground.
The adults are active in afternoon sunshine and later come infrequently to light.
Flight periods
The adults are on the wing from late May towards July.
Habitat
Frequenting silver fir plantations and mixed woodland.
