Small Magpie

Eurrhypara hortulata

SIZE AND DESCRIPTION

Forewing 15mm. Silky white with dark grey markings and a yellowish-gold thorax with black spots. Larva is green.

HABITAT AND DISTRIBUTION

Hedgerows, woodland margins and waste ground with nettles. All Europe except far north.

FOOD AND HABITS

Flies June–August. Larvae feed on Common Nettle and related plants. Overwinters as a larva in a spun cocoon located among plant debris.

Gold Fringe

Hypsopygia costalis

SIZE AND DESCRIPTION

Forewing 8mm. Dark brown forewings have two gold marks and a golden-yellow fringe. Hindwings are purplish with a gold fringe. Larva is whitish with a brown head.

HABITAT AND DISTRIBUTION

Hedges around grassy places in southern Britain and southern and central Europe.

FOOD AND HABITS

Flies July–October. Larvae feed on dead grasses and thatch.