Crambidae

63.050 Long-legged Pearl Dolicarthria punctalis ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)

Notable B

Similar species:

Forewing: 9 to 12mm

Habitats: Calcareous sea-cliffs and coastal downland, vegetated shingle and sand-dunes.

Habits: The moth can be disturbed during the day. It flies from dusk and comes to light soon after that.

Foodplant: The larva feeds on Bird's-foot Trefoil, clovers, Common Ragwort, knapweed, plantains and Eel Grass. It initially feeds on live, dead and decaying leaves from under a leaf in a flimsy spinning. After overwintering it prefers to feed on decaying leaves including those of adjacent vegetation. It pupates in a tough cocoon in the leaf litter.