Twin-spot Ethmia
Common NameTwin-spot Ethmia
Scientific NameEthmia bipunctella
FamilyDepressariidae
SubfamilyEthmiinae
Wingspan (mm)20.5
Primary Colorsorange, black, grey
HabitatDry grasslands, open woodlands, disturbed areas, roadsides, coastal dunes
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia; introduced to North America
Host PlantsEchium vulgare, Symphytum officinale
Flight PeriodMay to August (bivoltine)
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are gregarious and feed externally on the leaves of Boraginaceae plants, particularly Viper's Bugloss. They pupate in a silken cocoon, often in leaf litter or soil.
Identification TipsLook for the unique combination of bright orange-yellow forewings with bold dark grey/black stripes along the costa and inner margin, and several distinct black spots on the orange areas. The two most prominent spots are usually near the center of the wing.
Description
A small, slender moth with striking orange-yellow forewings marked by prominent dark grey to black longitudinal stripes and distinct black spots, contrasting with a dark head and thorax.
