Bramble Shoot Moth Notocelia uddmanniana
The Bramble Shoot Moth is among the easier Tortrixes when it comes to identifying it. It is greyish brown with a big, chocolate brown blotch on both wings. When the wings are hold together it forms one big patch of chocolate. A much smaller brown spot is visible in the tip of each wing. From both edges of the wing a greyish, variable line or patch runs towards the brown blob. The grey parts usually contain many silvry scales. The wingspan is some 15 to 20 mm.
The larvae are pinkish brown, with small dark spots. The caterpillar's head is black. They spin together fresh leaves and sprouts of brambles. Like the larvae of many other Tortrixes the caterpillars remain small during summer and autumn and overwinter. In early spring they attack the fresh leaves and sprouts. They are somewhat harmful in the cultivation of brambles.
The Bramble Shoot Moth is single-brooded. It is on the wing in July and August and starts flying after dusk. Is not really attracted to light. All over Britain this is a very common species, but a local one in certain areas. Common, but often local, on the continent as well.
This species is also known as Uddmann's Bell. Formerly scientifically known as Epiblema uddmanniana.
