Rhopobota myrtillana

Alternative names
Small Bilberry Marble
Bilberry Bell
Description

Wingspan 9 to 12 mm.

Identification difficulty
Recording advice

Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. If the photo doesn't show the key ID features, then in the comments box describe the size and identifying characters you have observed.

Habitat

A moorland and heathland species found in areas where Bilberry is present.

When to see it

May and June when the moth can be seen in the late afternoon/early evening sunshine, in flight over its foodplant.

Life History

The larva feeds on Bilberry.

UK Status

This species has a more northern distribution. Although it is found widely throughout Britain, its distribution is limited by the availability of its foodplant. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as Nationally Scarce B.

VC55 Status

There had been no records in Leicestershire and Rutland for more than 100 years until it was rediscovered at Warren Hills 3rd June 2023. 

Reference
49.220 BF1162

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
Bilberry Bell
Species group:
insect - moth
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Lepidoptera
Family:
Tortricidae
Records on NatureSpot:
1
First record:
03/06/2023 (Skevington, Mark)
Last record:
03/06/2023 (Skevington, Mark)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

The latest images and records displayed below include those awaiting verification checks so we cannot guarantee that every identification is correct. Once accepted, the record displays a green tick.

In the Latest Records section, click on the header to sort A-Z, and again to sort Z-A. Use the header boxes to filter the list.

Latest images

Latest records