Scarce Black Arches
Common NameScarce Black Arches
Scientific NameArctornis l-nigrum
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyLymantriinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Primary Colorswhite, brown, dark brown
HabitatDeciduous woodland, forest edges, parks, gardens
Geographic RangeEurope, Asia (Palearctic region)
Host Plantsoak, beech, birch, hornbeam, hazel, lime, willow
Flight PeriodJune to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are hairy and feed on the leaves of various deciduous trees and shrubs. They overwinter as young larvae and pupate in a cocoon among leaves.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its pure white wings with two distinct, wavy dark bands across the forewings. The fluffy white body and head are also characteristic. The 'L-nigrum' refers to a black L-shaped mark on the underside of the forewing, which is not visible dorsally.
Description
A medium-sized moth with fluffy white body and forewings, marked by two prominent, wavy, dark brown to blackish transverse bands. The hindwings are plain white.
