Beautiful Pearl
Common NameBeautiful Pearl
Scientific NameUdea ferrugalis
FamilyCrambidae
SubfamilySpilomelinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Primary Colorsbrown, orange, white
HabitatGardens, fields, waste ground, open habitats, agricultural areas
Geographic RangeWidespread in Europe, North Africa, parts of Asia; migratory to northern Europe
Host Plantsnettle, plantain, various herbaceous plants, cultivated crops
Flight PeriodMarch to November
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are polyphagous, feeding on a wide variety of herbaceous plants. They typically pupate in a cocoon among host plant leaves or in the soil. The species is multivoltine, producing multiple generations per year.
Identification TipsKey features include the brownish forewings with a distinct orange-yellow basal patch, a pale wavy subterminal line, and often two faint dark discal spots. The upturned labial palps are also characteristic.
Description
A small moth with brownish-ochreous forewings featuring a prominent orange-yellow patch near the base and costa, and a pale, wavy subterminal line near the outer margin.
