Lesser Tawny Crescent
Common NameLesser Tawny Crescent
Scientific NamePlatytes alpinella
FamilyCrambidae
SubfamilyCrambinae
Wingspan (mm)21
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorstawny, brown, cream
HabitatDry grasslands, heathland, coastal dunes, open woodlands
Geographic RangeWestern and Central Europe, extending into parts of Eastern Europe
Host Plantsvarious grasses (Poaceae)
Flight PeriodJune to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on the roots and stems of various grasses, overwintering as larvae before pupating in the spring. Adults emerge in early summer.
Identification TipsLook for the characteristic tawny-brown forewings with a pale costal streak and the crescentic mark near the wing tip. Its small size and tendency to rest with wings tightly wrapped around the body are also good indicators.
Description
A small, slender moth with tawny-brown forewings, often featuring a paler cream streak along the costa and a distinctive crescent or hook-shaped mark near the apex. The hindwings are typically paler, greyish-white.
