Small Purple-barred
Common NameSmall Purple-barred
Scientific NamePhytometra viridaria
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyBoletobiinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsolive-brown, purple, red
HabitatGrasslands, heathland, open woodlands, fens, meadows
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia (e.g., Turkey, Caucasus)
Host PlantsPolygala vulgaris, Polygala serpyllifolia
Flight PeriodMay to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae are green with pale lines, feeding primarily on milkworts. It overwinters as a pupa, typically in a cocoon near the ground.
Identification TipsKey features for identification are its small size, the olive-brown ground color, and the two striking purplish-red bands across the forewings.
Description
A small moth with olive-brown forewings distinctly marked by two prominent purplish-red transverse bands and a purplish fringe.
