For Anyone Interested in the Wildlife of the U.K.
Magpie Moths
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Scientific name: Abraxas grossulariata
Size: Wingspan up to 45mm
Distribution: Found throughout the UK
Months seen: June to August
Life span: The adult moths live for just 3 or 4 weeks
Habitat: Woodlands, gardens and hedgerows
Food: The larvae feed on hawthorn, blackthorn and hazel
Special features: Magpie Moths are white with a variable arrangement of black spots and orange markings. The head and legs are black and the body is pale orange with black markings.
Magpie Moths are readily attracted to light.
The Small Magpie Moth is similar in appearance, but as the name suggests it is smaller and lacks the orange markings on the wings.
Sightings
2013 - Harwich, Essex - Leslie Chambers
2013 - Marloes, Pembrokeshire - G. Bradley
2013 - Roch, Pembrokeshire - G. Bradley
2014 - Hastings, East Sussex - Darren Spriggs
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