Wulfen's Heliothela
Common NameWulfen's Heliothela
Scientific NameHeliothela wulfeniana
FamilyCrambidae
SubfamilyHeliothelinae
Wingspan (mm)12
Primary Colorsdark brown, black, white, cream
HabitatDry grasslands, rocky slopes, open areas, often on calcareous soils
Geographic RangeCentral and Southern Europe, extending to parts of Asia
Host PlantsThymus
Flight PeriodMay to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are thought to feed on low-growing herbaceous plants, particularly species of thyme (Thymus). Pupation likely occurs in a cocoon near the ground.
Identification TipsKey features include its small size, the overall dark mottled appearance of the forewings, a single prominent white spot on each forewing, and the contrasting white fringe along the wing margins.
Description
A small moth with dark, mottled blackish-brown forewings, each featuring a prominent white discal spot and a distinct white fringe along the outer margin.
