Large Fruit-tree Tortrix - Archips podana

Wingspan 18-26 mm. Sexual dimorphism is quite pronounced. The male has a costal fold on the forewing and is usually smaller and more brightly coloured than the female. The female has no costal fold and a much more protruding apex on the forewing.

Gardens, orchards, hedgerows and woodland.

The main flight period is June - July but adults can be found from May to September with late emerging specimens possibly being a less numerous second generation. They come readily to light.

The larvae feed on the foliage, flowers and fruit of a wide variety of deciduous trees, including Apple, Plum, Blackthorn, Cherry and occasionally Conifers. The usual larval development is to feed between July and September and, after overwintering, they complete their feeding and growth in the following April or May. Occasionally full-grown larvae can be found in late August. These then pupate and emerge as adults in early September.

Quite common in low-lying areas throughout England and Wales but less so in Scotland. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common.

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