Perizoma albulata (Denis & Schiff., 1775)

Description: Wingspan 20-26mm. Adult forewings predominantly white with a series of pale brown median cross-lines, the central one being the widest especially at the costal edge of the wing.

Key Identification Features:

• Wings white with fine brown cross-lines
• Hindwings white

Sets:

Flight Period: Mid June to late August.

Status: Widely distributed in south eastern counties with a few scattered records mainly from coastal localities in Londonderry and Antrim. It has been recorded in recent years from well-recorded sites such as Oxford Island, Armagh, Montiaghs Moss and Ballymoney, Antrim and the Umbra, Londonderry. There are several recent records from Down at Seaforde Estate, Belvoir Park Forest and Hillsborough Forest Park.

Ecology: A small, attractive species associated with wet meadows and coastal grassland. It may be under-recorded in some other suitable localities where its foodplant Yellow-rattle Rhinanthus minor is common. Adults rest among grassy tussocks and fly usually from late afternoon onwards when the weather is favourable. The larvae can be found in July and August on the seeds of Yellow-rattle. It overwinters as a pupa.

World Distribution: Throughout Europe.

Bradley & Fletcher number: 1807 Agassiz number: 70.137

Additional information:

UK Moths account

Caterpillar: