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UK Nature  > Moths  > Pleuroptya ruralis




Scientific Name:   Pleuroptya ruralis
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.










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