Beggar Moth
Common NameBeggar Moth
Scientific NameUdea fulvalis
FamilyCrambidae
SubfamilySpilomelinae
Wingspan (mm)22
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorspale yellow, dark grey
HabitatMeadows, grasslands, gardens, woodland edges
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia, North Africa
Host Plantsnettles, thistles, various herbaceous plants
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are green with a darker dorsal line, feeding on herbaceous plants, often within a silken web. Pupation occurs in a cocoon among leaf litter or in the soil.
Identification TipsKey features include the pale yellow ground color and the characteristic pattern of dark, somewhat rectangular spots on both forewings and hindwings. Distinguishing from similar *Udea* species may require close examination of spot patterns.
Description
A small moth with pale yellow, slightly translucent wings adorned with distinct, irregular dark grey spots. Its body is slender and yellowish.
