Common Cloaked Shoot Gypsonoma dealbana


Family Tortricidae » Subfamily Olethreutinae » Gypsonoma dealbana (Frölich, 1828) 49.279 (BF1169)
Forewing length 5-7 mm. This is what is a known as a ‘bird-dropping’ moth for it mimics a bird-dropping as a means of camouflage. Quite a variable species in overall colour and markings, and can be confused with Gypsonoma sociana. The larva feeds on various trees and shrubs. The adult flies July to August, and can be seen in open woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens. Common and widespread.


Common Cloakedd Shoot Gypsonoma dealbana
Common Cloakedd Shoot Gypsonoma dealbana

Attracted to moth trap, back garden, South Staffordshire. 8th July 2017. Photos © Peter Hillman. Species identification confirmed and recorded by an expert from iRecord.