Erebidae: Arctiinae

2063 (ABH72.022) Muslin Moth Diaphora mendica, (Clerck, 1759)

KR10572

Great Staughton
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
 pre-2000
 2000-2009
 2010-2019
 2020-onwards
Great Staughton
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Female
Female
 Photo © David Griffiths
Great Staughton
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Great Staughton
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Male, Hemingford Grey
Male, Hemingford Grey
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Female, Monks Wood
Female, Monks Wood
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Underside of female abdomen, Monks Wood
Underside of female abdomen, Monks Wood
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies


General Information

This species displays distinct sexual dimorphism, with the males light brown or grey and the females white. Both are sparsely speckled with black.

 

The male is nocturnal and the female diurnal.

 

Pupates in loose soil.

Overwinters as Overwinters as a pupa.
Both sexes readily come to light, sometimes in numbers.
Flies during the day

Forewing length: M 14-17mm. F 17-19mm.
Foodplant(s): docks (Rumex spp.), plantains (Plantago spp.), Red Dead-nettle (Lamium purpureum), herbaceous plants
Flying: One generation, May-early June
UK Presence: Resident
National status: Common

Habitat

Woodland, downland, riverbanks and hedgerows.

Regional Information

Recorded in 98 (36.3%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in May 2023

Recorded date range (Adult): 24 March to 08 August

Recorded date range (Larva/Leafmine): 30 May to 24 September

Similar Species
 Photo © Peter Bissell
White Ermine Spilosoma lubricipeda
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Buff Ermine Spilosoma lutea
Bulgaria, 12th July 2012
Bulgaria, 12th July 2012
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Water Ermine Spilosoma urticae


Larva/Leafmine:
Larva Type:
Hairy
Colours:
Grey, brown, orange
No. of Proleg Pairs:
5