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Dot Moth

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Scientific name: Melanchra persicariae

Dot Moth

Late June to August. Common to southern Britain, more local in the north of its range.

 

An unmistakeable moth with broad, glossy black wings and a large conspicuous white kidney mark.

 

The larvae can be seen from August to October feeding both at day and night, resting on the foodplant. They overwinter underground as pupae.

What does the Dot Moth eat?

The Dot Moth eats a wide range of wild and cultivated herbaceous plants including Common Nettle (Urtica dioica), Hop (Humulus lupulus), Field Bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis), Broad-leaved Dock (Rumex obtusifolius), Groundsel (Senecio vulgaris), White Clover (Trifolium repens), Black Currant (Ribes nigrum), Ivy (Hedera helix), Hazel (Corylus avellana), Elder (Sambucus nigra) and willows.

What habitat does the Dot Moth live in?

The Dot Moth lives in gardens and hedgerows and a wide range of open and wooded habitats.

What family does the Dot Moth belong to?

The Dot Moth belong to the Noctuidae family.

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Statistics

Scientific Name

Melanchra persicariae

Location

England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland

Size

Medium sized

Wingspan Range: 32-42mm

Population

Common and widespread in southern Britain and the southern half of Ireland.

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