Magpie Moth (Abraxus grossulariata)



This is a moth that flies by night but that is often seen by day. It is easily disturbed from shrubbery vegetation and because of its magnificent black and white colouring it does tend to stand out somewhat. It is also quite big and you could be forgiven or mistaking it for a butterfly at first.

Flying from now and well in to August the Magpie Moth is often found in gardens, especially if there are fruit bushed present, but you will also find it in woodlands, hedgerows, on commons and even grassland.

It is common species, attracted to light, and quite easily identified.

The larvae appear on fruit bushes and hedgerow shrubs in September and they over winter as larvae before pupating in the spring and emerging in July.

Comments