Ethmia quadrillella
Common NameEthmia quadrillella
Scientific NameEthmia quadrillella
FamilyDepressariidae
SubfamilyEthmiinae
Wingspan (mm)18
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorswhite, dark brown, black
HabitatWoodlands, scrublands, gardens, and areas with host plants
Geographic RangeEurope, including Great Britain, Central Europe, and parts of Eastern Europe
Host PlantsSymphytum officinale, Symphytum tuberosum, Boraginaceae species
Flight PeriodMay to August (often bivoltine)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on comfrey (Symphytum) and other Boraginaceae plants, often found in spun leaves. Pupation occurs in a cocoon, typically on or near the host plant.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its unique and prominent white and dark brown/black blotchy pattern on the forewings, which is quite irregular and distinctive among small moths.
Description
A small moth with striking white forewings heavily marked with irregular, dark brown to black blotches. The head and thorax are also patterned with white and dark scales.
