Jersey Black Arches
Common NameJersey Black Arches
Scientific NameMeganola albula
FamilyNolidae
SubfamilyNolinae
Wingspan (mm)21
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorscream, brown, black
HabitatCoastal areas, sand dunes, shingle beaches, dry grasslands
Geographic RangeWestern Europe, including the British Isles, France, and Germany
Host Plantsbird's-foot trefoil, clover, various herbaceous plants
Flight PeriodJune to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on low-growing plants, pupating in a cocoon, often overwintering as a pupa.
Identification TipsKey features include its small size, pale cream forewings with characteristic dark arched markings, and the broad dark band near the wing margin.
Description
This small moth has pale whitish-cream forewings adorned with distinctive dark brown to blackish arched lines and a prominent broad dark subterminal band. Its hindwings are uniformly pale grey.
