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.

Various habitats.

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.

The larvae feed on small-leaved Willows (Salix spp.), spinning together two or more leaves.

Fairly frequent and widely distributed throughout the British Isles. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common.

Fairly frequent but not common in Leicestershire & Rutland. L&R Moth Group status = B (scarce resident or restricted distribution or regular migrant)