Exapate congelatella       Eana osseana
Tortricodes alternella
49.044 BF1025  – Spring Harbinger  – Tortricodes alternella  – ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)
Adult Micro:  CAT 1 – Distinctive species unlikely to be confused with others –      
PDF Icon – click for General Verification Guidelines  |   PDF Icon – click for Specific Verification Guidelines
Green –  Rare / Uncommon / Scarce   
Taxonomy:   Micro   >>  Tortricidae  >> Tortricinae
Other Name/s: Winter Shade
ID Difficulty:  green  – easy to identify, generally distinctive and unlikely to be confused with other species.
ID pointers: Quite distinctive. Has a very narrow wing shape for a Tortrix and has a habit of rolling its wings like a cigar. Ground colour can be Silver grey-brown to yellowish brown. A pale cross-band just below the shoulders. Obscurely marked grey forms occur.
Distribution:  (Last record: 20 February 2024 at Froggatt )  –  It seems to have a patchy distribution in the county and favours Oak woodlands. One of the earliest Tortricids to be on the wing. Since 2004 to 2024 only 20 records have been reported.
General Comment: None Flight Period: February /  March /  April –  On the wing during February – April. Moth Activity: Nocturnal   – and is attracted to light Photographed: Yes –  Photographed By: Tony Davison; Christian Heintzen  © All Rights Reserved
*** Last updated on 31 January 2026 by TD ***
Wingspan: 19-23mm
 Food Plant: Oak (Quercus) and Hornbeam (Carpinus).
Last Recorded Year: 2024
Last Recorded By – Bryan Barnacle
Last Recorded General Area – Froggatt
Selected Images:  Melbourne, Derbyshire & Foremark, Derbyshire – Tony Davison© / Long Clough 2025 – Christian Heintzen©

Tortricodes alternella
Tortricodes alternella – Tony Davison
49.044 BF1025 - Tortricidae - Tortricinae - Tortricodes alternella
Tortricodes alternella – Tony Davison
Tortricodes alternella - 3rd February 2025 - Long Clough - Christian Heintzen
Tortricodes alternella – 3rd February 2025 – Long Clough – Christian Heintzen
Tortricodes alternella
49.044 BF1025 - Tortricidae - Tortricinae - Tortricodes alternella
Tortricodes alternella - 3rd February 2025 - Long Clough - Christian Heintzen


Image Gallery

Tortricodes alternella - 3rd February 2025 - Long Clough - Christian Heintzen

Temporal Distribution Chart
Adults: (between 1965 - 2026)
(click legend below to show/hide datasets)

Distribution Map for Tortricodes alternella

Found 72 records
    ↳ 5 from 2026+
    ↳ 21 from 2020 - 2025
    ↳ 46 from Before 2020
Flying
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

If the Map Layers function fails, just refresh the page and it should be OK after. Use the +- zoom on the top left, or on a tablet, use two fingers to zoom. Remember, the last layer you ticked is the one which displays the popup information - they sit on top of each other - de-select then re-select, to see the popup values.

Bedrock Geology ** indirectly affects moth distribution by influencing the type of habitat and food plants available in an area. In turn, this may affect the types of moths that can thrive, or where they can most likely be found.


NBN Atlas UK Distribution for – Tortricodes alternella

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Note – the NBN Atlas datasets are listed in the map below and vary in their currency (uptodateness) – however, the map does give a general indication of the moth's distribution across the UK.

Visit NBN Site


Monthly Records By Year: Tortricodes alternella
( data includes both Larvae and Adult Stages )

Monthly Counts By Year: Tortricodes alternella
( data is based on 'Adult' stage records only )

First/Last Recorded Dates: Tortricodes alternella
Adult-only & Anything [Larvae, Pupae, Adult, Mines]

Shading shows moth presence between dates

Click the colour discs below to Select/De-select as Required

Recordings By Year: Tortricodes alternella
( All data includes both Larvae and Adult Stages )
Annual Growth Rate (AGR): Tortricodes alternella
AGR: -8.41%   |   Total % Change: -85.5%

Hectad (10kmx10km) Coverage: Tortricodes alternella
( data includes both Larvae and Adult Stages )

Flight Periods – Indicative –vs– Recorded Data
Tortricodes alternella

Flight Period chart – the grey hatched area above, which can cross one or more months, pictorially represents the best guess we have for this moth's flight periods [month/s]. The coloured lines represent the actual months seen in flight, from site observation records received between 2020-2026.

Records Behind the Map and Charts - Tortricodes alternella – 72 records available

Listed by Year - descending - scroll across to see all table columns

Site NameTetradDateCountStageRecorderSourceRecordKey
Markham Vale North tip , DerbyshireSK47L24/02/20261adultMorris, Sid ( M.V. Trapping group )vc57_irecords_extractiBRC50362966
Nether PadleySK27N22/02/20261AdultSamuel P.C.vc57_irecords_extractiBRC50334228
Norton Lees, SheffieldSK38L01/02/20261adultMella, Petevc57_irecords_extractiBRC49383497
Chaddesden WoodSK33Z30/01/20261adultroome, martinvc57_irecords_extractiBRC49578107
Chaddesden WoodSK33Z19/01/20263adultroome, martinvc57_irecords_extractiBRC49574262
Derbyshire Wild Life Trust Long CloughSK09G07/03/20251adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC40399452
Glossop, Shawmoor PlantationSK09G21/02/202513adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC40322235
Derbyshire Wild Life Trust Long CloughSK09G19/02/202520adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC40322228
Derbyshire Wildlife Trust Long Clough WoodandSK09G03/02/202510adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC40159332
Froggatt, Hope ValleySK27N20/02/20241adultBarnacle, Bryanvc57_irecords_extractiBRC38615388
Markham Vale South TipSK47L19/02/20241adultMorris, Sidvc57_irecords_extractiBRC34938099
Markham Vale DerbyshireSK47L19/02/20241adultMorris, Sidvc57_irecords_extractiBRC41006634
High Leas Farm, RiberSK35D16/02/20241adultThorpe, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC34931258
High Leas Farm, RiberSK35D16/02/20242adultThorpe, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC34931263
Birch ValeSK08I15/02/20241adultHewitt, Janevc57_irecords_extractiBRC34933539
Longdendale, Wildboar CloughSK09U15/02/20248adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC36371428
Derbyshire Wild Life Trust Long CloughSK09G10/02/20242adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC36371423
MelbourneSK32X09/02/20241adultDavison, Tonyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC34794930
Norton Lees, SheffieldSK38L03/02/20241AdultMella, Petevc57_irecords_extractiBRC34727780
Derbyshire Wild Life Trust Long CloughSK09G02/02/20243adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC36371416
Glossop, Shire Hill, southSK09M01/02/20246adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC36371409
Longdendale, Wildboar CloughSK09U28/01/20241adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC36371406
Glossop, Shire Hill, southSK09M16/02/202315adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC36335661
Derbyshire Wild Life Trust Long CloughSK09G13/02/20231adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC36335657
Darwin ForestSK26X09/02/20221adultEvans, Davevc57_irecords_extractiBRC39218244
Findern, Derbyshire, DEAZSK33A20/02/20211adultBrian and Jean Hallamvc57_irecords_extractiBRC35164465
Clough Wood,Darley DaleSK26K28/02/20125AdultA. Butlervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP7PB
Glebe Rise,Littleover,DerbySK33H28/02/20121AdultN.J. Wardvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP7PE
Calke Park,TicknallSK32R24/02/20121AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP7P8
The Hollies,Station Rd,Darley DaleSK26R23/02/20123AdultRoddis, Simonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP7P5
Nutwood NR, Darley Abbey, DerbySK33P23/02/20121AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP7P7
Backgarden MarehaySK34Z21/02/20121adultThorpe, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC33509905
School Close,Parkway Gardens,Darley DaleSK26R21/02/20121AdultA. Butlervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP7P1
Bamford St,RipleySK34Z21/02/20121AdultThorpe, Stevevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP7P2
School Close,Parkway Gardens,Darley DaleSK26R25/01/20121AdultA. Butlervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP7OY
Clough Wood,Darley DaleSK26K23/03/20111AdultA. Butlervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COXL3
Clough Wood,Darley DaleSK26K19/03/20111AdultA. Butlervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP6RO
School Close,Parkway Gardens,Darley DaleSK26R27/02/20111AdultA. Butlervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP6RE
School Close,Parkway Gardens,Darley DaleSK26R23/02/20111AdultA. Butlervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP6R9
School Close,Parkway Gardens,Darley DaleSK26R10/02/20112AdultA. Butlervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP6R6
Drakelow NR (Minton's Lagoon), Burton on TrentSK22F22/08/20093AdultM.J. Williamsvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP50T
Calke Park,TicknallSK32L16/03/20092AdultFinch, Graham Leonardvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COZZV
Calke Park,TicknallSK32L06/03/200947AdultFinch, Graham Leonardvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COZZQ
Calke Park Estate bottom of Fishermans carparkSK32R06/03/20086adultFinch, Graham Leonardvc57_irecords_extractiBRC35105614
Calke Park,TicknallSK32R06/03/20086AdultFinch, Graham Leonardvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COZWD
Calke Park Ridge from Fisherman's Car ParkSK32R26/03/20071adultFinch, Graham Leonardvc57_irecords_extractiBRC35105778
Calke Park,TicknallSK32R26/03/20071AdultFinch, Graham Leonardvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP3QK
Calke ParkSK32L12/03/20074adultFinch, Graham Leonardvc57_irecords_extractiBRC35105453
Calke Park,TicknallSK32L12/03/20074AdultG.L. Finch;K. Tailby;M.A. Finchvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP3QF
FOREMARK RESERVOIRSK32H15/03/200430adultDavison, Tonyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC33454928
Foremark Res (Boat Yard edge), TicknallSK32G15/03/20045AdultBUDWORTH, Mr D., WILLIAMS, Mr M.J., WILLIAMS, Mrs vc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COVJT
Foremark Resr (Orchid meadow edge), TicknallSK32H15/03/20042AdultBUDWORTH, Mr D., WILLIAMS, Mr M.J., WILLIAMS, Mrs vc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COZPZ
Foremark Resr (Spur's Bottom wood), TicknallSK32H15/03/20049AdultBUDWORTH, Mr D., WILLIAMS, Mr M.J., WILLIAMS, Mrs vc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COZQ0
Foremark Resr (Spur's Bottom wood), TicknallSK32H15/03/200411AdultBUDWORTH, Mr D., WILLIAMS, Mr M.J., WILLIAMS, Mrs vc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COZQ4
Lings Close,IlkestonSK44S05/03/20041AdultT. Durovc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COVJR
Calke Park (Poker's Leys), TicknallSK32L15/03/19981AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COVEN
Pokers Leys,Calke Park,TicknallSK32L20/02/199830AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COVEL
Calke Park (Poker's Leys), TicknallSK32L13/02/19985AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COVEJ
Calke Park (Betty's Pool),TicknallSK32R10/08/19972AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COZMZ
Shipley Wood, Shipley Park, IlkestonSK44L17/03/19973AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COQX0
Calke Park,TicknallSK32R09/03/19971AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COQWU
Calke Park (Poker's Leys), TicknallSK32L27/02/19971AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COQWS
Shipley Wood, Shipley Park, IlkestonSK44M09/04/19961AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COVBX
The Field,Shipley,IlkestonSK44M09/04/19961AdultT. Durovc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP197
Clough Wood (nr gate entrance), Darley DaleSK26K23/03/199630AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP193
Carvers Rocks, Hartshorne, SwadlincoteSK32G02/04/19951AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP15K
Carvers Rocks NR, Hartshorne, Swadlincote (site not precise)SK32G07/03/19811AdultYOUNG, Mr D.A., HARRISON, Mr F., BEAUMONT, Mr H.E.vc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COQCH
Upper Booth, EdaleSK08X08/02/19811AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COQCG
Hardwick Wood, WingerworthSK36S19/03/19721AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP9UN
Hardwick Wood, WingerworthSK36S16/03/19721AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP9UM
Linacre Woods, ChesterfieldSK37G27/09/19691AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COQHQ
Lightwood Lane, Moss ValleySK38R08/03/19651AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP0J4

Exapate congelatella       Eana osseana

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