Chimney-sweeper
Common NameChimney-sweeper
Scientific NameOdezia atrata
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyLarentiinae
Wingspan (mm)25
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorsblack, white
HabitatDamp grasslands, meadows, woodland clearings, fens
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia
Host PlantsPignut (Conopodium majus)
Flight PeriodJune to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on the host plant. Larvae are green with white stripes, feeding on the flowers and seeds of Pignut. Pupation occurs in a cocoon underground, overwintering as a pupa.
Identification TipsEasily identified by its uniform velvety black wings and the prominent white spot on the hindwing tips. No other similar black moth has this exact combination.
Description
A small, velvety black moth with a distinctive bright white spot at the tip of each hindwing. Its antennae are slender and filiform.
