Common Whistling Moth
Common NameCommon Whistling Moth
Scientific NameArctia villica
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyArctiinae
Wingspan (mm)60
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsblack, orange, cream
HabitatOpen woodlands, hedgerows, gardens, meadows, scrubland
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia Minor
Host Plantsdandelion, plantain, nettle, bramble, honeysuckle, comfrey
Flight PeriodMay to July
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are hairy, black with reddish-brown hairs, feeding on various low-growing herbaceous plants. They overwinter as larvae and pupate in a loose cocoon near the ground in spring.
Identification TipsEasily identified by the striking contrast of black forewings with cream spots and the bright orange abdomen and hindwings with black spots. Often seen resting with wings folded, revealing the forewing pattern.
Description
A distinctive moth with velvety black forewings marked by large, irregular cream-white spots, and bright orange hindwings and abdomen adorned with prominent black spots.
