Common Tortrix
Common NameCommon Tortrix
Scientific NameCnephasia interjectana
FamilyTortricidae
SubfamilyTortricinae
Wingspan (mm)18
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, cream
HabitatGardens, hedgerows, woodlands, open grassy areas, waste ground
Geographic RangeWidespread across much of Europe, extending into parts of Asia
Host Plantsdandelion, plantain, clover, dock, hawthorn, willow
Flight PeriodJune to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are polyphagous, feeding on a wide range of herbaceous plants and shrubs, often rolling leaves or tying them together. Pupation occurs in a silken cocoon.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its small size, mottled grey-brown forewings with variable darker markings, and a characteristic resting posture with wings held somewhat roof-like. Often requires examination of genitalia for definitive identification from similar *Cnephasia* species.
Description
A small, cryptically patterned moth with forewings typically mottled in shades of grey, brown, and cream, often with darker markings forming indistinct bands.
