Scarce Straw Pearl
Common NameScarce Straw Pearl
Scientific NameUdea fulvalis
FamilyCrambidae
SubfamilySpilomelinae
Wingspan (mm)24
Primary Colorsstraw yellow, pale brown, grey
HabitatOpen grassy areas, meadows, hedgerows, gardens, waste ground
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia
Host Plantsnettle, thistle, mugwort, plantain, clover
Flight PeriodJune to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on various herbaceous plants, often spinning leaves together. Pupation occurs in a cocoon among the host plant debris.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its pale straw-yellow ground colour and the characteristic faint, wavy, brownish transverse lines forming a somewhat reticulated pattern on the wings. Can be confused with other *Udea* species, requiring close examination of wing markings.
Description
A small, delicate moth with pale straw-yellow wings featuring a subtle reticulated pattern of faint brownish-grey transverse lines. Its overall appearance is somewhat translucent and camouflaged.
