Spotted Dysauxes
Common NameSpotted Dysauxes
Scientific NameDysauxes punctata
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyArctiinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsbrown, white, yellow, black
HabitatDry, warm areas, rocky slopes, garrigue, open woodlands, scrubland
Geographic RangeSouthern and Central Europe, North Africa, parts of Asia Minor
Host Plantslichens, mosses, Plantago, Thymus, Sedum
Flight PeriodMay to September (bivoltine)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are hairy and dark, feeding on lichens and low-growing plants, often overwintering before pupating in a cocoon.
Identification TipsKey features include the brown forewings with prominent white spots and the striking yellow/orange banding on the black abdomen, which is often visible even when the moth is at rest.
Description
A small moth with dull brown forewings adorned with several distinct white spots. Its head and thorax are dark brown, and the abdomen is typically black with bright yellow or orange bands.
