These moths inhabit woodland, freshwater margins and damp areas.
Description
The wingspan of Epinotia tenerana ranges between 12–16 mm. These small moths are very variable in color. The basic color of the forewings is usually brown, ferruginous or reddish brown, with a light crossband in the middle and a bright area at the apex.
Adults are on wing from July to September or early October in the UK. They fly from dusk onwards. During the day they usually rest on the foliage of the host plants.
There are two generations in the Netherlands, with adults on wing from May to June and in August. In Poland, adults are recorded to fly from June to August or September.
They live in the catkins of the food plant until the spring, then move into the developing leaf buds, making a hole at the base of the bud. Pupation takes place in a cocoon amongst leaves detritus.[5]