Small Magpie Moth - Eurrhypara hortulata, species information page

Small Magpie Moth - Eurrhypara hortulata, click for a larger photo

Small Magpie Moth - Eurrhypara hortulata
Family - Pyralidae

Wingspan 24-28mm (1-1.2in), with an orange yellow hairy thorax and black and white patterned wings the Small Magpie Moth very common in the southern half of Britain. Seen on the wing in June and July. Caterpillars feed inside rolled leaves of Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) in August and September and so remain hidden from predators. Woundworts (Stachys spp.), mints (Mentha spp.), horehounds (Marrubium and Ballota), and bindweeds (Convolvulus and Calystegia) are also used. The larva then hibernates in a tough silk cocoon, pupating the next May. Sometimes confused with the unrelated Magpie moth.

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