Lesser Pearl
Common NameLesser Pearl
Scientific NamePleuroptya ruralis
FamilyCrambidae
SubfamilySpilomelinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Primary Colorspale yellow, straw, white
HabitatGardens, woodlands, hedgerows, disturbed areas, often near nettle patches
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia, North America (introduced)
Host PlantsUrtica dioica (Common Nettle), Humulus lupulus (Hop)
Flight PeriodMay to October (bivoltine or trivoltine)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed primarily on nettles, spinning a silken web among the leaves. They overwinter as larvae and pupate in a cocoon among the host plant or leaf litter.
Identification TipsLook for the combination of pale yellow wings, the prominent blue-black spot on the head/thorax, and the white wing fringes. Its size and resting posture are also characteristic.
Description
A small, pale yellow or straw-colored moth with a distinctive blue-black spot on its head/thorax. Its wings often show faint, wavy, darker lines and have white fringes.
