European Common Grey
Common NameEuropean Common Grey
Scientific NameScoparia ambigualis
FamilyCrambidae
SubfamilyScopariinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, cream
HabitatWoodlands, grasslands, gardens, heaths, often near mossy areas
Geographic RangeWidespread across Europe
Host Plantsmosses
Flight PeriodMay to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on mosses, living in silken tubes among the moss. Pupation occurs in a cocoon within the moss.
Identification TipsLook for its small size, mottled grey-brown forewings with characteristic dark markings (often including a distinct reniform stigma and antemedian/postmedian lines), and the prominent palps/head tuft.
Description
A small, cryptically patterned moth with mottled grey and brown forewings featuring distinct dark markings and a prominent raised scale tuft on its head.
