Mother of Pearl
Common NameMother of Pearl
Scientific NamePleuroptya ruralis
FamilyCrambidae
SubfamilySpilomelinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorspale brown, dark brown, tan
HabitatGardens, woodlands, hedgerows, waste ground
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia, North Africa
Host PlantsUrtica dioica, Humulus lupulus, Mentha
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed primarily on Common Nettle, often found within a silken web on the underside of leaves. Pupation occurs in a cocoon among plant debris.
Identification TipsLook for the pale brown wings with prominent, wavy dark brown transverse lines and a small dark spot on the forewings. Often found near nettle patches.
Description
A small to medium-sized moth with pale yellowish-brown or tan wings, characterized by distinctive wavy, dark brown transverse lines and a small discal spot on the forewings.
