Pleuroptya ruralis, Mother of Pearl

Common Name: Mother of Pearl

Pleuroptya ruralis, more commonly known as the Mother of Pearl, has a wingspan of 26 - 40 mm and is one of the largest of Britain's so-called 'micro-moths'; in fact it is larger than many of the 'macro-moths', though this division is largely artificial. The moth rests with all four wings on display, which show a pearlescent lustre in certain lighting conditions, as its common name suggests.

Habitat is gardens, waste ground and rough pastures, often around nettle beds. Active during July and August, the adults fly from dusk onwards and are often attracted to light. The larvae feed on stinging nettles (Urtica dioica), in a rolled-up leaf. Common throughout most of Britain.

https://www.uknature.co.uk is a website dedicated to showing the immense diversity of UK nature and wildlife. Our vast range of habitats, from lowland arable to snow covered mountains, from storm-ravaged coastlines to peaceful inland freshwater lakes and rivers, from dry, sandy heaths to deciduous and coniferous forests, all these habitats contribute to the abundance of UK nature. We have wild birds in huge numbers either residing or visiting our shores (597 recorded species as at July 2013) and we must also not forget the humble back garden with its grass lawns, flower beds filled with nectar rich flowers, shrubs and trees, all designed to attract huge numbers of insects such as bees, moths, butterflies and hoverflies; and finally the small ponds which provide safe havens for frogs, toads, newts and even slow worms and grass snakes. www.uknature.co.uk is the showcase for my personal passion, photographing uknature in all its glory. I sincerely hope you all enjoy the fruits of my labours.