Gray Tortrix
Common NameGray Tortrix
Scientific NameCnephasia stephensiana
FamilyTortricidae
SubfamilyCnephasiini
Wingspan (mm)20
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsdark gray, light gray, white
HabitatGardens, hedgerows, meadows, open woodlands, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia, introduced to North America
Host PlantsPlantago, Trifolium, Taraxacum, Rubus, Salix, Malus
Flight PeriodJune to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are polyphagous leaf-rollers or leaf-tiers, feeding on a wide variety of herbaceous plants and shrubs. Pupation occurs within the rolled leaf or in the soil.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its overall gray, mottled appearance, often with indistinct darker markings on the forewings. The specific pattern can be variable, making genital examination sometimes necessary for definitive identification from similar Cnephasia species.
Description
A small moth with mottled dark and light gray forewings, often appearing speckled, and paler hindwings. Its cryptic coloration helps it blend with bark or lichen.
