13 July 2013

12 July 2013 – Moth to Match the Weather.

Marbled Orchard Tortrix (Hedya nubiferana)

The Marbled Orchard Tortrix (Hedya nubiferana) is the third type of bird dropping micro-moth I’ve seen since I’ve been here. It is very easily confused with the Plum Tortrix (Hedya pruniana), though they are differentiated by the position of two blackish dots on the wing. We’ve been getting plenty of both lately here at Shandy Hall. Like the Plum Tortrix, the Marbled Orchard Tortrix also feeds on blackthorn. Other foodplants include hawthorn, wild cherry, and a variety of other plants. This specimen  perfectly fits the description of hedus ‘sweet, pleasing,’ as pertaining to its colors.  Nubifer ‘cloud-bearing’ refers to the grey cloud-like markings on the white of the forewing. It’s like the Marbled Orchard Tortrix is carrying around a piece of pleasant sky to admire. We are now at 277 on the species list.

– Post by Jane Wu