Ash-coloured Crest
Common NameAsh-coloured Crest
Scientific NamePseudoswammerdamia combinella
FamilyYponomeutidae
SubfamilySwammerdamminae
Wingspan (mm)12
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorsgrey, brown
HabitatWoodlands, hedgerows, gardens, and areas rich in Rosaceae host plants.
Geographic RangeEurope, including Great Britain, and parts of Asia.
Host PlantsCrataegus, Prunus spinosa, Malus, Sorbus aucuparia
Flight PeriodMay to July, with a possible second generation in August to September.
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on the leaves of various Rosaceae plants, sometimes within a silken web. Pupation takes place in a cocoon, and the species typically overwinters as a pupa or larva.
Identification TipsKey features for identification include its small size, uniform ash-grey forewings, and the distinctive resting posture where the wing tips are slightly upturned, giving a 'crested' appearance. Often found near hawthorn or blackthorn.
Description
A small, slender moth characterized by its plain ash-grey to pale brownish forewings, which often appear slightly crested at the tips when the moth is at rest.
