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Prays ruficeps
Cryptic Ash Bud Moth (Heinermann, 1854)
Praydidae
448a / 22.003
Photo © Raymond A Watson,  Hollesley

Similar Suffolk Species: None
Wingspan: 14-17mm
Flight: July - Sept
Foodplant:   Ash
Verification Grade:  Adult: 2

Morley’s Final Catalogue: Much scarcer than in western or southern England; among ash. Copdock, Bentley Woods, Ipswich, Leiston, &c. The var.rustica, Haw., was found in Ipswich during August 1895.

Recent Status: The comment by Morley is for Prays fraxinella, however the var. rustica is Prays ruficeps. The current distribution of this species is uncertain as it was only separated from Prays fraxinella by DNA barcoding in 2013.

Life Style: The moth is double brooded and recorded from May to September. The larvae feed on Fraxinus and feed in a similar manner to Prays fraxinella, initially creating a gallery mine from the mid-vein and then in the twig, bud and young shoot.

Identification: The moth is a similar size to P. fraxinella but has a uniformly dark grey fuscous forewing. The head and collar are a contrasting orange brown. The melanic form of P. fraxinella has discernible markings in line with the typical form of the moth.

Recorded in 19 (33%) of 58 10k Squares.
First Recorded in 2013.
Last Recorded in 2023.

Latest 5 Records
Date#VC10k Area
10/09/2023125TM24 - Woodbridge/Martlesham
09/09/2023125TM49 - Somerleyton/Beccles
08/09/2023125TM24 - Woodbridge/Martlesham
08/09/2023+25TM34 - Hollesley/Rendlesham Forest
05/09/2023125TM24 - Woodbridge/Martlesham
Further info: Prays ruficeps
 
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