Scarred Dwarf
Common NameScarred Dwarf
Scientific NameNola cicatricalis
FamilyNolidae
SubfamilyNolinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorswhite, grey, black
HabitatWoodlands, heathlands, gardens, hedgerows
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia (e.g., Turkey, Caucasus)
Host PlantsPrunus spinosa, Crataegus, Salix, Betula, Quercus
Flight PeriodMay to June, and July to August/September (bivoltine)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on the leaves of various trees and shrubs, particularly blackthorn. Pupation occurs in a cocoon.
Identification TipsLook for its small size, the distinctive mottled grey and white forewing pattern, and a prominent dark mark near the costa. Its cryptic coloration helps it blend in with bark or lichen.
Description
A small moth with mottled white and dark grey forewings, featuring irregular blackish markings that create a cryptic, lichen-like appearance. The hindwings are typically paler grey.
