Wavy-barred Sable
Common NameWavy-barred Sable
Scientific NamePempeliella ornatella
FamilyPyralidae
SubfamilyPhycitinae
Wingspan (mm)22
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsdark brown, white
HabitatDry grasslands, heathland, open woodlands, meadows
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia
Host PlantsThymus, Origanum vulgare
Flight PeriodMay to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on various herbaceous plants, often concealed in spun leaves or silken tubes. They typically overwinter as larvae or pupae, pupating in a cocoon.
Identification TipsKey identification features include the dark forewings with two distinct, wavy white bands and the contrasting white terminal fringes.
Description
A small moth characterized by its dark brown to black forewings adorned with two prominent, wavy white transverse bands and distinctive white fringes. The hindwings are a paler grey.
