Crambidae: Spilomelinae

1405 (ABH63.038) Mother of Pearl Pleuroptya ruralis, (Scopoli, 1763)

KR06667

Great Staughton
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
 pre-2000
 2000-2009
 2010-2019
 2020-onwards
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Monks Wood
Monks Wood
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Hemingford Grey, 26th July 2013
Hemingford Grey, 26th July 2013
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Whitelye, Gwent
Whitelye, Gwent
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies


General Information

This moth is easily confused mistaken for a macro-moth due to its large size. It is however, unmistakable.

Both sexes readily come to light, sometimes in numbers.

Wingspan: 26-40 mm.
Foodplant(s): nettles (Urtica spp.)
Flying: One generation, July-August
National status: Common

Regional Information

Recorded in 151 (55.9%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in July 2023

Recorded date range (Adult): 26 May to 06 November

Recorded date range (Larva/Leafmine): 12 July to 12 August

Similar Species
Hemingford Grey, 3rd June 2020, MV light trap.
Hemingford Grey, 3rd June 2020, MV light trap.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Anania lancealis (=Perinephela)