MARBLED BEAUTY

ADULT: Wingspan 20 to 25mm.  The forewings are a blend of cryptic whites, slaty-greys and black which makes for a quite distinctive and appealing appearance. The markings can be variable with darker forms found in more suburban areas. The hindwings are whitish with a broad grey band at the margin. LARVAE: Bluish grey with orange markings along the back. The larvae feed on lichens, especially those growing on rocks. This species overwinters as a larva. BEHAVIOUR: A species with a neat camouflage that comes into its own when the moth is at rest on rocks, walls and various lichens.  Attracted to light. HABITAT: Found in a variety of habitats with this moth a real frequent catch in most gardens. FLIGHT PERIOD: On the wing during July and August. STATUS: Common throughout the whole of the UK except the far North.