Metachrostis velox
Common NameMetachrostis velox
Scientific NameMetachrostis velox
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyEublemminae
Wingspan (mm)20
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorswhite, grey, brown, black
HabitatOpen woodlands, scrubland, heathland, gardens
Geographic RangeSouthern Europe, North Africa, parts of Asia
Host PlantsThymus, Calluna, Erica, various herbaceous plants
Flight PeriodMay to June, August to September
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on low-growing herbaceous plants and shrubs. The species is typically bivoltine, with two generations per year.
Identification TipsLook for its small size (wingspan around 20mm) and the characteristic mottled grey-brown and white forewing pattern, often with a prominent dark subterminal line and a dark reniform spot.
Description
A small moth with cryptically patterned forewings, featuring a mottled mix of white, grey, and various shades of brown and black, often with a distinct dark subterminal line.
