Alpine Pearl
Common NameAlpine Pearl
Scientific NameUdea alpinalis
FamilyCrambidae
SubfamilySpilomelinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorspale green, brown, white
HabitatAlpine meadows, rocky slopes, mountainous regions
Geographic RangeCentral and Southern Europe (Alps, Pyrenees, Carpathians)
Host PlantsPlantago, Veronica, Gentiana
Flight PeriodJuly to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on various low-growing herbaceous plants, pupating in a cocoon. Typically one generation per year, overwintering as larvae.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its pale greenish-brown forewings with two distinct white spots and its preference for high-altitude alpine habitats. Can be differentiated from similar *Udea* species by the specific shape and clarity of these spots.
Description
A small moth with pale greenish-brown forewings featuring two prominent white spots (reniform and orbicular) and a faint darker subterminal line. The hindwings are a uniform pale greyish-brown.
