Norfolk status
Common.

Originally thought a dark form of Prays fraxinella (Ash Bud Moth) DNA barcoding indicates that P. ruficeps is a species distinct from P. fraxinella. The latter does have a dark form but in it the faint fraxinella markings can still be distinguished.

The moth is double brooded and recorded from May to September.

Only accepted as a valid species in the new British list 2013. P. ruficeps has an unremittingly black forewing without any underlying sign of fraxinella-ish markings, and a rufi ceps, (Red/Brown Head), though this can vary somewhat in the rufi-ness of the ceps.
[John Langmaid, Aug 2013]

There is some debate as to whether this species can be identified without DNA analysis.

Recorded in 34 (46%) of 74 10k Squares. First Recorded in 2010. Last Recorded in 2024. Additional Stats

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