Gorse Crest
Common NameGorse Crest
Scientific NameAncylis geminana
FamilyTortricidae
SubfamilyOlethreutinae
Wingspan (mm)14
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, cream, reddish-brown
HabitatHeathland, scrub, coastal areas, anywhere gorse or broom grows
Geographic RangeWestern Europe, including the British Isles, extending eastwards
Host PlantsUlex europaeus, Cytisus scoparius
Flight PeriodMay to July
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed within spun shoots of gorse or broom, pupating in a cocoon among detritus or in the soil.
Identification TipsKey features include its mottled brown and cream forewings, small size, and the distinctive raised scale tuft (crest) on the dorsum, especially when found near gorse or broom.
Description
A small, cryptically patterned moth with mottled brown and cream forewings, characterized by a prominent raised tuft of scales (the 'crest') on the inner margin.
