Morley’s Final Catalogue: A common kind among Scots-fir, but unnoted here for many years. Before 1890 it was taken about Leiston (Grey); Flixton near Bungay (Ctw); and Brandon (Barrett). Rediscovered on Sutton Heath in 1935 (Whit.); at Herringfleet Woods in early April, and West Stow in May, 1936 (Mly).
Recent Status: The species is rarely recorded in Suffolk. It is likely under-recorded as the species is common where-ever there are Scots Pines in the Sandlings area. This species was not separated from O. piniariella at Morley’s time. The comments above refer to both species
Life Style: The moth is triple brooded flying March to May, August and October and November. The larvae mine leaves of Pinus sylvestris from tip to base. They pupate in a cocoon spun between pine needles.
Identification: The male has shiny grey wings and the female has pale grey or white wings. Both have all grey antennae. The similar O. piniariella which flies between the first two broods of O. friesei has white antennae on the female and grey white ringed on the male.
Retained Specimen / Photograph will be Required.
Recorded in 9 (16%) of 58 10k Squares. First Recorded in 2002. Last Recorded in 2024. Additional Stats
