Green Oak Tortrix - Tortrix viridana

Wingspan 18-23 mm. A very distinctive species as this is the only green 'Tortrix' in the British Isles.

Earias clorana is similar but rests with its wings higher a more 'tent like' posture.

Well wooded areas, particularly deciduous woodland and other areas where Oak is present in numbers.

Flying during May through to early July from dusk onwards, it can also be found resting in sunshine.

Inhabiting Oak woodland, it can become a pest. Although Oak is the main food plant, other deciduous trees are also used, the larvae feeding in a rolled-up or folded leaf. These abundant larvae sometimes completely defoliate trees.

It is common to very common in many parts of Britain. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common.

Common in Leicestershire and Rutland. L&R Moth Group status = A (common and resident)