Zeiraphera isertana

Alternative names
Mottled Oak Tortrix
Cock's-head Bell
Description

Wingspan about 17mm. A variable moth, some showing a distinct pale dorsal blotch and well defined markings, and others with a more obscure appearance. There is often a greenish or olive tinge to some of the markings.

Identification difficulty
Habitat

In oak woodland.

When to see it

The adults fly in July and August and come to light.

Life History

The larva feed during May and June in folded or spun leaves of oak.

UK Status

This is a fairly common species in suitable habitats throughout much of the British Isles. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common.

VC55 Status

Fairly frequent but not common in Leicestershire and Rutland. L&R Moth Group status = B (scarce resident or restricted distribution or regular migrant).

Reference
49.260 BF1165

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Species profile

Common names
Cock's-head Bell
Species group:
insect - moth
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Lepidoptera
Family:
Tortricidae
Records on NatureSpot:
46
First record:
09/07/2005 (Skevington, Mark)
Last record:
14/07/2025 (Pugh, Dylan)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

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