49.08 BF1053

Acleris hastiana

(Linnaeus, 1758)

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Wingspan c. 20 mm.

Acleris hastiana is perhaps the most variable British tortrix moth, with dozens of named forms, and many intermediate types. Some forms can resemble those of the similarly variable but scarcer A. cristana, which however has a more concave forewing costa and usually two prominent scale tufts.

It is widely distributed throughout the British Isles, and the larvae feed on small-leaved willows (Salix spp.), spinning together two or more leaves.

There are two generations in much of its range, with moths flying in June and July and again from August, when the adults hibernate. In parts of Scotland there is just one brood, flying from September onwards.