Trachonitis cristella
Common NameTrachonitis cristella
Scientific NameTrachonitis cristella
FamilyPyralidae
SubfamilyPhycitinae
Wingspan (mm)22
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, black
HabitatWoodlands, heathlands, gardens
Geographic RangeEurope, including British Isles, and parts of Asia
Host Plantsoak, birch, willow, hawthorn
Flight PeriodJune to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on dead leaves or detritus of various trees and shrubs, often within a silken tube. Pupation occurs in a cocoon.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its mottled grey-brown forewings with specific dark markings, including a dark basal band and a discal spot, providing excellent camouflage.
Description
A small, cryptically colored moth with mottled grey-brown forewings, featuring dark transverse lines and a prominent dark discal spot.
