Leucoptera malifoliella       Prays ruficeps
22.002 BF449 - Praydidae - Prays fraxinella
22.002 BF449  – Ash Bud Moth  – Prays fraxinella  – (Bjerkander, 1784)
Adult Micro:  CAT 1 – Distinctive species unlikely to be confused with others –       Leaf-miner:  CAT L – The leaf or a Photo required – reared and possibly dissected       Larval Case:  C1 – Distinctive Species –      
PDF Icon – click for General Verification Guidelines  |   PDF Icon – click for Specific Verification Guidelines
Blue –  Generally Common / Widespread        purple – Leaf-miner
Taxonomy:   Micro   >>  Praydidae
Other Name/s: Ash-bud Moth
ID Difficulty:  green  – easy to identify, generally distinctive and unlikely to be confused with other species.
ID pointers: The head and thorax are mostly white. Forewing white with a large triangular shape blackish blotch.
Distribution:  Common across the county where there is Ash.
General Comment: None Flight Period: June /  July –  On the wing during the day in June & July. Mine Period:  January /  February /  March /  April /  May /  June /  October /  November /  December
Mine Period Additional: The larvae mine the leaves of Ash. As they get bigger they feed on the buds of Ash
Mine ID Difficulty: Not Recorded
Mine Type/s: Not Recorded
Mine Feeding Method/s: Not Recorded
Mine Comment: None.  – but can be disturbed during the day Photographed: Yes –  Photographed By: Jane & Phil Lester; Jane Hewitt  © All Rights Reserved
*** Last updated on 14 October 2025 by RP ***
Wingspan: 14-17mm
 Food Plant: Ash.
Specific Recorded History Dates for Common [Blue code Blue-coded] moths is not displayed/updated in this tab. However, all verified records for this moth are listed in the RECORDS tab below.
Selected Images:  Curbar, Derbyshire – Jane & Phil Lester © / Birch Vale – Jane Hewitt©

22.002 BF449 - Praydidae - Prays fraxinella
Prays fraxinella – Ash Bud Moth
Prays-fraxinella-Ash-Bud-Moth-18/7/2021 -Birch-Vale-Jane-Hewitt
Prays-fraxinella-Ash-Bud-Moth-18/7/2021 -Birch-Vale-Jane-Hewitt
22.002 BF449 - Praydidae - Prays fraxinella
Prays-fraxinella-Ash-Bud-Moth-18/7/2021 -Birch-Vale-Jane-Hewitt

 
 

Image Gallery

22.002 BF449 - Prays fraxinella - Ash Bud Moth Curbar, North Derbyshire - Photo by ©Jane & Phil Lester©

Temporal Distribution Chart
Adults: (between 1988 - 2025)
(click legend below to show/hide datasets)
 

Distribution Map for Prays fraxinella

Found 91 records
    ↳ from 2026+
    ↳ 39 from 2020 - 2025
    ↳ 52 from Before 2020
Flying
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Mining
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

If the Map Layers function fails, just refresh the page and it should be OK after. Use the +- zoom on the top left, or on a tablet, use two fingers to zoom. Remember, the last layer you ticked is the one which displays the popup information - they sit on top of each other - de-select then re-select, to see the popup values.

Bedrock Geology ** indirectly affects moth distribution by influencing the type of habitat and food plants available in an area. In turn, this may affect the types of moths that can thrive, or where they can most likely be found.


NBN Atlas UK Distribution for – Prays fraxinella

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Note – the NBN Atlas datasets are listed in the map below and vary in their currency (uptodateness) – however, the map does give a general indication of the moth's distribution across the UK.

Visit NBN Site


Monthly Records By Year: Prays fraxinella
( data includes both Larvae and Adult Stages )

Monthly Counts By Year: Prays fraxinella
( data is based on 'Adult' stage records only )

First/Last Recorded Dates: Prays fraxinella
Adult-only & Anything [Larvae, Pupae, Adult, Mines]

Shading shows moth presence between dates

Click the colour discs below to Select/De-select as Required

Recordings By Year: Prays fraxinella
( All data includes both Larvae and Adult Stages )
Annual Growth Rate (AGR): Prays fraxinella
AGR: -6.49%   |   Total % Change: -80%

Hectad (10kmx10km) Coverage: Prays fraxinella
( data includes both Larvae and Adult Stages )

Flight Periods – Indicative –vs– Recorded Data
Prays fraxinella

Flight Period chart – the grey hatched area above, which can cross one or more months, pictorially represents the best guess we have for this moth's flight periods [month/s]. The coloured lines represent the actual months seen in flight, from site observation records received between 2020-2026.

Mine Periods – Indicative –vs– Recorded Data
Prays fraxinella
( data includes both Larvae and Adult Stages )

Mine Period chart – the grey hatched area above, which can cross one or more months, pictorially represents the best guess we have for this moth's mine periods [month/s]. The coloured lines represent the actual months seen mining, from site observation records received between 2020-2026.

Records Behind the Map and Charts - Prays fraxinella – 91 records available

Listed by Year - descending - scroll across to see all table columns

Site NameTetradDateCountStageRecorderSourceRecordKey
BelperSK34U24/08/20252adultEvans, Davevc57_irecords_extractiBRC44784413
BelperSK34U23/08/20252adultEvans, Davevc57_irecords_extractiBRC44731355
Chaddesden, DerbySK33T23/08/20252adultroome, martinvc57_irecords_extractiBRC44885941
Ladycroft Ave, BuxtonSK07S22/08/20251adultOrridge, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC48197670
BelperSK34U11/07/20251adultEvans, Davevc57_irecords_extractiBRC43330651
BelperSK34U10/07/20251adultEvans, Davevc57_irecords_extractiBRC43292515
Darwin ForestSK26X30/06/20251adultEvans, Davevc57_irecords_extractiBRC43015087
Midway, Derbys.SK32A30/06/20251adultWilliams, Michaelvc57_irecords_extractiBRC43042261
Belper, DerbyshireSK34N30/06/20251adultNewcombe, Davevc57_irecords_extractiBRC43964498
BelperSK34U28/06/20251adultEvans, Davevc57_irecords_extractiBRC42802290
Findern, DerbyshireSK33A25/06/20251adultHallam, Brianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC42709504
Gang Mine, CromfordSK25X23/06/20251adultAshton, Clivevc57_irecords_extractiBRC42573632
Ingleby Ave, DerbySK33L12/06/20251adultShervill, Andrewvc57_irecords_extractiBRC42262891
BelperSK34U12/06/20251adultEvans, Davevc57_irecords_extractiBRC42268211
Woodland AveSK43R30/05/20251adultThorpe, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC48390769
upper cromford gardenSK25Y30/07/20241adultAshton, Clivevc57_irecords_extractiBRC37556278
Norton Lees, Sheffield (VC)SK38L24/06/20241adultMella, Petevc57_irecords_extractiBRC38279149
Darley BridgeSK26Q23/06/20241AdultMoores, Stephenvc57_irecords_extractiBRC36582060
Norton Lees, Sheffield, UKSK38L23/06/20241AdultMella, Petevc57_irecords_extractiBRC36618627
Darley BridgeSK26Q22/06/20241adultMr Stephen Mooresvc57_irecords_extractiBRC36706947
BelperSK34N06/09/20231adultEvans, Davevc57_irecords_extractiBRC35298919
Belper GardenSK34P09/06/20231adultEvans, Davevc57_irecords_extractiBRC34543695
Derbyshire Wild Life Trust Long CloughSK09G30/05/20231adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC36336079
BelperSK34N22/05/20231adultEvans, Davevc57_irecords_extractiBRC35301114
Birch ValeSK08I17/07/20222adultHewitt, Janevc57_irecords_extractiBRC34087742
Birch ValeSK08I11/07/20221adultHewitt, Janevc57_irecords_extractiBRC34085624
Ladycroft AveSK07S10/07/20221adultOrridge, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC35089914
Birch ValeSK08I18/07/20211AdultHewitt, Janevc57_irecords_extractiBRC34472991
Not givenSK43W09/07/20211AdultBryce, Marionvc57_irecords_extractiBRC20963060
Erewash Canal, Long EatonSK43V28/06/20211adultBryce, Marionvc57_irecords_extractiBRC20798980
Midway, Derbys.SK32A01/06/20211adultWilliams, Michaelvc57_irecords_extractiBRC38494033
Main Street, Kings NewtonSK32Y15/09/20203AdultSoar, Willvc57_irecords_extractiBRC34059963
Woodland AveSK43R14/09/20202adultThorpe, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC33502305
Main Street, Kings NewtonSK32Y17/08/20201AdultSoar, Willvc57_irecords_extractiBRC34059961
Main Street, Kings NewtonSK32Y12/08/20202AdultSoar, Willvc57_irecords_extractiBRC34059962
Birch ValeSK08I11/08/20201adultHewitt, Janevc57_irecords_extractiBRC35066587
Woodland AveSK43R09/08/20201adultThorpe, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC33502027
Birch ValeSK08I24/06/20201adultHewitt, Janevc57_irecords_extractiBRC35067417
Birch ValeSK08I23/06/20201adultHewitt, Janevc57_irecords_extractiBRC35067414
Birch ValeSK08I07/08/20191adultHewitt, Janevc57_irecords_extractiBRC35072219
Waingroves WoodsSK44E18/07/20181adultThorpe, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC33503252
Norton LeesSK38L19/06/20181AdultMella, Petevc57_irecords_extractiBRC7091410
Hoe Grange QuarrySK25I16/06/20181adultSteve Orridge & Ray Walkervc57_irecords_extractiBRC49168526
Waingroves WoodsSK44E05/08/20172adultThorpe, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC33504032
Backgarden MarehaySK34Z06/09/20162adultThorpe, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC33505230
Backgarden MarehaySK34Z16/08/20161adultThorpe, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC33505165
Straw's Bridge, Ilkeston, Meadow near Sustrans Cycle TrackSK44K11/08/20163adultBryce, Marionvc57_irecords_extractiBRC3859254
Waingroves Wood Moth and Bat EventSK44E06/08/20161adultThorpe, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC33505095
Norton Lees gardenSK38L19/07/20161AdultMella, Petevc57_irecords_extractiBRC4417511
Sheffield, England, United KingdomSK38L08/07/20161AdultMella, Petevc57_irecords_extractiBRC28935236
Norton Lees gardenSK38L07/07/20162AdultMella, Petevc57_irecords_extractiBRC4415089
Willington, DerbyshireSK32E23/06/20151adultPlant, Stephenvc57_irecords_extractiBRC40501437
Smalley Green, HeanorSK44B27/06/20142AdultBUDWORTH, Mr D., CLARKE, Mr D.A., PATRICK, Mr P., vc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP0G4
Main Street, Kings NewtonSK32Y21/08/20131AdultSoar, Willvc57_irecords_extractiBRC34680038
Backgarden MarehaySK34Z08/08/20131adultThorpe, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC33509468
Ladycroft AveSK07S19/07/20131adultOrridge, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC40991058
Ladycroft AveSK07S19/07/20131adultOrridge, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC40991059
Buxton SK, UKSK07S13/07/20131AdultOrridge, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC33212709
Ladycroft AveSK07S12/07/20131adultOrridge, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC40990987
Ladycroft AveSK07S11/07/20131adultOrridge, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC40990920
Wood Lane,Newhall,SwadlincoteSK22V05/07/20131AdultDave Budworthvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP8WO
Buxton SK, UKSK07S24/07/20121AdultOrridge, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC25497363
Carr WoodSK45A22/06/20121adultThorpe, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC33510342
Carr Wood, RipleySK45A22/06/20121AdultThorpe, Stevevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP7TF
DovedaleSK15K29/08/20111AdultD. Grundyvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP7KE
DovedaleSK15K01/08/20111AdultD. Grundyvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP9T2
Midway Rd,Midway,SwadlincoteSK32A25/06/20111AdultM.J. Williamsvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP71K
Backgarden MarehaySK34Z07/05/20111adultThorpe, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC33512264
Bamford St,RipleySK34Z07/05/20111AdultThorpe, Stevevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COTSY
DovedaleSK15K30/07/20102AdultM.J. Dalevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COTHT
DovedaleSK15K25/07/20101AdultD. Grundyvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP63N
Biggin Dale, nr HartingtonSK15P06/07/20101AdultC. Williamsvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP5SD
DovedaleSK15K05/07/20091AdultD. Grundy;M.J. Dalevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP00O
Lathkill Dale (open dale west of main ash woodland), BakewellSK16X11/08/20071AdultDave Budworth;N.J. Ward;W. Soarvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COZV5
Cramside Wood (DWT reserve)SK17R20/06/20071AdultS.H. Hindvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COSBE
Main Street, Kings NewtonSK32Y11/06/20071AdultSoar, Willvc57_irecords_extractiBRC34680037
Main Street, Kings NewtonSK32Y04/09/20061AdultSoar, Willvc57_irecords_extractiBRC34680036
Main St,Kings Newton,MelbourneSK32Y04/09/20061AdultSoar, Willvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP3LN
Seventy Acre Woods/Flash Lane, DerbyshireSK26Y23/06/20053adultFinch, Graham Leonardvc57_irecords_extractiBRC35107084
Beeley (Seventy Acre Wood)SK26Y23/06/20053AdultFinch, Graham Leonardvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COVSO
Main Street, Kings NewtonSK32Y27/07/20041AdultSoar, Willvc57_irecords_extractiBRC34680035
Main St,Kings Newton,MelbourneSK32Y27/07/20041AdultSoar, Willvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COZ6C
Main Street, Kings NewtonSK32Y13/07/20041AdultSoar, Willvc57_irecords_extractiBRC34680034
Main St,Kings Newton,MelbourneSK32Y13/07/20041AdultSoar, Willvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COR9P
Main Street, Kings NewtonSK32Y29/06/20042AdultSoar, Willvc57_irecords_extractiBRC34680033
Main St,Kings Newton,MelbourneSK32Y29/06/20042AdultSoar, Willvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COVL7
Main Street, Kings NewtonSK32Y17/08/20031AdultSoar, Willvc57_irecords_extractiBRC34680032
Main St,Kings Newton,MelbourneSK32Y17/08/20031AdultSoar, Willvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COS5C
Grindleford (Padley Mill C)SK27P21/07/20016AdultBOTTERILL, Mr R.F., CRACKLES, Mr I., HOUSLEY, Mr Pvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COZ2T
The Shimmers, Cressbrook, BuxtonSK17R20/07/19961AdultR.F. Botterillvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COQW9
Deerlands Rd, Ashgate, ChesterfieldSK37K12/09/19881AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP0TE

 
Leucoptera malifoliella       Prays ruficeps

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