Dagger Tuft-Moth
Common NameDagger Tuft-Moth
Scientific NameNola cucullatella
FamilyNolidae
SubfamilyNolinae
Wingspan (mm)17.5
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorswhite, cream, brown, black
HabitatWoodlands, hedgerows, gardens, scrubland
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia
Host PlantsCrataegus (hawthorn), Prunus spinosa (blackthorn), Quercus (oak), Salix (willow)
Flight PeriodJune to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on various trees and shrubs, pupating in a boat-shaped cocoon. The species typically overwinters as a pupa.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its small size, pale forewings, and the characteristic dark 'dagger' mark extending from the costa towards the base of the wing, along with a dark subterminal band.
Description
A small, pale moth with white to cream forewings marked with distinctive dark brown to black patches, most notably a prominent 'dagger' shaped mark near the base and a dark band across the outer wing.
