Citron Moth
Common NameCitron Moth
Scientific NameHypercallia citrinalis
FamilyDepressariidae
SubfamilyDepressariinae
Wingspan (mm)21
Primary Colorsyellow, red
HabitatWoodlands, heathlands, scrub, grasslands
Geographic RangeEurope (including Great Britain, Scandinavia, Central and Eastern Europe)
Host PlantsPolygala vulgaris, Polygala serpyllifolia
Flight PeriodJune to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on the flowers and seeds of milkwort species, often within a silken web. Pupation occurs in a cocoon among leaf litter or on the host plant.
Identification TipsThe unique bright lemon-yellow and reddish-orange reticulated pattern on the forewings is highly distinctive. It is often seen flying during the day in sunshine.
Description
A small, brightly colored moth with lemon-yellow forewings intricately patterned with a network of reddish-orange lines, and pale hindwings.
