Crambidae

63.015 Lesser Pearl Sitochroa verticalis (Linnaeus, 1758)

Local

Similar species:

Forewing: 12 to 16mm

Habitats: Rough pasture, field margins and other grassy habitats, wasteground and gardens, especially near the coast.

Habits: The moth is easily disturbed by day. It flies at night and comes to light.

Foodplant: The early stages have not been completely recorded in Britain. On the European mainland the larva feeds on a wide variety of herbaceous plants including Creeping Thistle, Perrenial Wall-rocket, Wood Sage, Broom, goosefoots, oraches and docks. The full-fed larva overwinters in a tough cocoon in the leaf litter or in the earth. It pupates in a cocoon amongst spun leaves in May.