Magpie Moth
Abraxas grossulariata
The Magpie moth is a distinctive white moth with large black spots and yellow markings.
This moth is widespread
throughout Norfolk. But numbers of records have been dwindling, so this moth is
now seen as a declining species in Norfolk.
The best time to see Magpie
moths will be from late June to August. They are attracted to light so will be
found in moth traps. Their preferred habitats are heather and moorland but they are
also frequently seen in gardens, woodlands, hedgerow, and even allotments.
Larval plant food tends to
be Blackthorn, Hawthorn, Hazel, Garden Privet, Black Currant, Red Currant,
Gooseberry, Bramble, and Heather.
Lesser Swallow Prominent
Pheosia gnoma
The Lesser Swallow Prominent is a silvery white
moth with bold brown and black markings. It looks similar to the Swallow
Prominent, except the Lesser Swallow Prominent has a distinctive, white
triangular wedge on its forewing.
A widespread species in Norfolk and best seen
flying around from late April to June, then from July to August.
Habitats where the Lesser Swallow Prominent can
be found are woodland, heathland, moorland, parks, and gardens.
The larval food plants are Downy Birch and
Silver Birch.
Pine Beauty
An unmistakable moth,
that’s orange brown, reddish brown or brick brown, with a distinctive white
kidney mark. Widespread throughout the UK and normally found in traps with its
wings folded tightly against its body.
The flying season for the Pine Beauty is between August and
September. It readily comes to light and therefore a regular visitor to moth
traps. Where there are coniferous woodlands or plantations, you will most
probably find the Pine Beauty moth. They have also been recorded visiting
gardens and parks.
The larva has a preference for the needles of pine trees,
like Scots Pine, Corsican Pine, and Lodgepole Pine.
Angle Shades
Phlogophora
meticulosa
The Angle Shades moth has brown and green
camouflaged markings, with creases and folds in its wings. When looking at it,
it resembles a brown leaf. Widespread in Norfolk.
Best time to see this moth is during May to
October, though it has been recorded all year round and is particularly
prolific in the autumn. Angle Shades are attracted to light so commonly found
in moth traps. The moths can be found feeding on Common Reed and other grasses.
Habitats where this moth can be found are
hedgerows, fens, woodland, and gardens.
The food plants of the larva are Common Nettle,
Hop, Red Valerian, Broad Leaved Dock, Bramble, Hazel, Birches, and Oaks.
Rosy
Footman
The Rosy Footman is commonly found in the Norfolk Breckland,
Broads and the coastline, and was first recorded in Norfolk in 1873.
Pinkish to orange in colour with
wavy, black patterns, this distinctive moth is best seen from June to August. It has a preference
of broadleaved woodland, wooded heathland, and hedgerows.
The larva eats mainly Dog Lichen but can be found feeding on
other lichens on the trunks of Oaks.
