Viper's Bugloss Moth
Common NameViper's Bugloss Moth
Scientific NameEthmia terminella
FamilyDepressariidae
SubfamilyEthmiinae
Wingspan (mm)18
Primary Colorscream, black
HabitatDry grasslands, heathlands, coastal areas, and disturbed ground where its host plant grows.
Geographic RangeEurope, extending into parts of Asia (e.g., Turkey, Russia).
Host PlantsEchium vulgare
Flight PeriodMay to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on the leaves of Viper's Bugloss (*Echium vulgare*), often creating a silken web. Pupation occurs in a cocoon.
Identification TipsEasily identified by its distinctive creamy-white and black pattern, particularly the large creamy-white dorsal patch and the black spots on the lighter areas of the forewings.
Description
A small moth with a striking bicolored pattern, featuring a large creamy-white dorsal patch on a black background, with additional black spots on the creamy-white areas.
