Black-bordered Lemon Moth
Common NameBlack-bordered Lemon Moth
Scientific NameIdaea muricata
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilySterrhinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Primary Colorsyellow, black
HabitatDamp grasslands, fens, marshes, heathland, woodland edges
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia
Host Plantsheather, common tormentil, various herbaceous plants
Flight PeriodLate June to early August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae overwinter and feed on low-growing herbaceous plants, pupating in a cocoon near the ground before emerging as adults.
Identification TipsLook for the unmistakable combination of bright lemon-yellow wings with a prominent black border and small black discal spots; its small size also aids identification.
Description
A small moth characterized by its bright lemon-yellow wings, which are distinctly bordered with black along the outer edge, and typically feature two small black discal spots on each forewing.
