39.002 BF906

Apple Pith Moth Blastodacna atra

(Haworth, 1828)

Wingspan 11-13 mm.

Occurring in orchards and gardens widely in England, it is more local in Scotland, Wales and Ireland.

The adult moths occur between May and September, and are attracted to light. They closely resemble B. hellerella, but generally are darker overall, with hellerella having a more "pied" appearance. Identification can be tricky however, so caution is advised.

The larvae feed inside small twigs of apple (Malus), mining under the surface and causing the shoot to die off.