Crambidae

63.039 Chalk Hill Pearl Mecyna flavalis ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)

pRDB3

Similar species:

Forewing: 11 to 14mm

Habitats: Short turfed downland.

Habits: The moth is easily disturbed during the day. It comes to light.

Foodplant: The early stages appear to be unconfirmed in Britain, but the larva probably feeds from a silk tube among the leaves of Lady's Bedstraw or Hedge Bedstraw. On the European mainland it also said to feed on Field Wormwood, Small Nettle, Black Horehound and Mignonette. It pupates in a cocoon in the leaf litter.