Appearance
''Archips xylosteana'' is a medium-sized to large moth with a wingspan reaching 14–23 millimetres . The females are usually slightly larger than the males. The basic color of the fore wings varies from yellow-brown or ocher to pinkish brown, mottled with dark reddish brown markings. Forewings are broad and roughly rectangular. Hind wings are light grayish brown. The design of the wings may appear lightly asymmetric, because at rest one of the wing covers the other and hides part of it. The caterpillar varies from whitish gray to bluish with greenish reflections and have a black head.
Distribution
This Palearctic moth is widespread in most of Europe, in Asia , and in northern Africa .
Behavior
These moths fly from June to August in one generation. They rest during the day in the foliage of trees and shrubs. Their activity begins at dusk. They overwinter on tree trunks and thick boughs.Caterpillars grow protected in a rolled leaf, perpendicularly to the midrib, from April to June. These larvae are polyphagous, feeding on various shrubs and deciduous trees, mainly oak , elm , Linden , hazel , maples , ash , brambles , Honeysuckle and St John's worts ). They can also be found on various fruit trees and on some herbaceous plants.
Habitat
This moth species inhabit woodland and scrub in hilly and mountainous areas.References:
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