lady-in-waiting
Common Namelady-in-waiting
Scientific NameArctia villica
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyArctiinae
Wingspan (mm)60
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsdark brown, cream, reddish-brown
HabitatOpen woodlands, hedgerows, scrubland, gardens, coastal areas
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia (e.g., Turkey, Caucasus)
Host Plantsdandelion, plantain, nettle, bramble, honeysuckle
Flight PeriodMay to July
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUnivoltine, with larvae hatching in late summer, overwintering as caterpillars, and pupating in spring in a loose cocoon.
Identification TipsLook for dark brown forewings with large, irregular cream spots and a distinctly furry, reddish-brown thorax. The bright yellow-orange hindwings with black spots are visible when the moth is disturbed.
Description
A medium-sized moth with a furry, reddish-brown body and dark brown forewings adorned with prominent, irregular cream-colored spots.
