Bloody-nosed Moth
Common NameBloody-nosed Moth
Scientific NameLythria cruentaria
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyLarentiinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Primary Colorsorange, red, yellow
HabitatDry grasslands, heathlands, sandy areas, open woodlands
Geographic RangeEurope, Central Asia, Siberia
Host PlantsRumex acetosella, Rumex acetosa, Rumex obtusifolius
Flight PeriodMay to August (often two broods)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are green with white stripes and feed on various species of dock and sorrel (Rumex). Pupation occurs in a cocoon in the soil or among leaf litter.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its unique orange-yellow and reddish-pink banded wing pattern. The antennae are bipectinate (feathery) in males, as seen in the image.
Description
A small moth with orange-yellow forewings prominently marked with two broad, irregular reddish-pink bands and a basal blotch of the same color. The hindwings are typically paler yellow with a faint reddish band.
