Torticidae is the largest and most diverse group of microlepidoptera with over 6,000 species worldwide, and up to 399 species in Britain belonging to the superfamily Tortricoidea. The caterpillars of these Tortrix moths live in rolled-up leaves or flowers held together with silken threads, hence they are know as “leafrollers”. This way they feed safely protected from predators. Some of these are considered serious pests in agriculture, horticulture and forestry, causing major damage to a wide variety of crops, including fruit of all kinds, tea and coffee, cereals and cotton. The Colding Moth, by example, causes serious damage to apples and pears, the larvae boring into and eating the fruit.
The moths featured in this post belong to the subfamily Olethreutinae.
All photographs taken in 2011, rear garden, Staffordshire, except for last image taken in local field. © Pete Hillman 2011.
Nature Journeys 
You have opened my eyes to the huge number of moth species. I had no idea they were so prolific and diverse!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Sandy 🙂 I was amazed once I started photographing them in my backyard at how many there was, and how different many of them are. And how some even compete with butterflies for their beauty.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Always startling to learn that such attractive creatures can be so destructive. Excellent photos, I particularly like the first in the series!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you very much, Belinda 🙂 I am glad most of these species appear to be just passing through my garden, having a brief photo session, and then off again on their merry way! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great photos. Thanks Pete. And it is amazing what we find when we adjust our field of view! Almost like travelling into another dimension, and all in one’s own backyard.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you very much, Carol 🙂 I agree, it is like travelling into another dimension, in our own backyard! A lovely way to put it 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person