MOTHER SHIPTON

ADULT: Wingspan 25-30 mm.  The forewings of this attractive moth are dark with a grey dusting.  The arrangement of black markings, brown shading and creamy areas contributes to an final pattern that is similar to side view of a witches face.  The hindwings are banded cream and dark brown. Fringe of both wings are mottled black and white, with pale line at base; the underside is ochreous white. LARVAE: Yellowish with a dark dorsal line and several thin wavy lines along each side.  The line through the spiracles is broad, dark reddish brown and edged below with red or yellow. Feeds on Clovers (Trifolium sp.), Black Medick (Medicago lupulina), Lucerne (Medicago sativa), Common Bird’s-foot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus), as well as Cock’s-foot (Dactylis glomeratus) and other grasses. BEHAVIOUR: A day-flying moth that likes to take short flights, rest and feed. HABITAT: Likes open areas such as flowery, rough grassland, downland, heathland, moorland, grassy verges and even wasteground. FLIGHT PERIOD: May and June. STATUS: A common and widespread moth over much of the British Isles although becoming less frequent in Scotland and Ireland.