About Bactra furfurana (Haworth, 1811)
Bactra furfurana, commonly known as the mottled marble, is a moth species in the family Tortricidae. It was first described by Adrian Hardy Haworth in 1811. This species occurs in both the Nearctic and Palearctic realms. Adult Bactra furfurana have a wingspan ranging from 13 to 19 mm. They inhabit damp, marshy areas, and adults fly during the months of June and July. Adults are extremely similar in appearance to Bactra lancealana. Edward Meyrick’s description notes the forewings of Bactra furfurana are slightly narrower than those of Bactra lancealana, with a straighter costa; they are light ochreous or ochreous-brownish, marked with indistinct darker strigulations. The basal patch, central fascia, and apical streak are darker ochreous or brown, indistinct, and sometimes nearly absent. The hindwings of this species are grey. The larva is shining green with a black head that has a whitish line, and the segment 2 plate is dark brown. Julius von Kennel has published a full description of this species. Bactra furfurana larvae feed inside the stems of various rush species, including Schoenoplectus lacustris and Juncus conglomeratus, by hollowing out the stems.
