Gandaritis pyraliata (Denis & Schiff., 1775)

Description: Wingspan 33-38mm. A distinctive species particularly in the peculiar resting posture. The narrow forewings are held well away from the body and the abdomen is raised. The hindwings are hidden completely behind the forewings. Forewings are generally yellow with brown median cross lines.

Key Identification Features:

• Narrow forewings
• Abdomen is held raised at rest

Sets:

Flight Period: From the beginning of July to the late August.

Status: Common and widespread in southern counties with a scattered distribution further north.

Ecology: Found in a wide variety of habitats especially woodland, bogs, and coastal grassland, where it is often seen in good numbers at light. The larvae feed on bedstraws Galium spp. It overwinters as an egg.

World Distribution: Across Europe and Asia to eastern Siberia.

Bradley & Fletcher number: 1758 Agassiz number: 70.093

Additional information:

UK Moths account

Caterpillar: