Alpine Grey Moth
Common NameAlpine Grey Moth
Scientific NameMetaxmeste phrygialis
FamilyCrambidae
SubfamilyPyraustinae
Wingspan (mm)24
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsdark grey, light grey, brown
HabitatAlpine and subalpine regions, rocky slopes, scree, high mountain pastures
Geographic RangeCentral and Southern Europe (Alps, Pyrenees, Carpathians, Balkan mountains)
Host PlantsPlantago, Veronica, Thymus
Flight PeriodJune to August
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on low-growing herbaceous plants, overwinter, and pupate in spring.
Identification TipsLook for its distinctive cryptic grey and brown mottling, which helps it blend into rocky alpine environments. Often found resting on gravel or rocks in high mountain areas.
Description
A small to medium-sized moth with broad, cryptically patterned forewings, typically dark grey and brown mottled with lighter bluish-grey patches, providing excellent camouflage.
