Broad-bordered White Underwing
Scientific name: Anarta melanopa
May - June. Mostly found in the central Highlands of Scotland. Small to medium-sized, with white hindwings, bordered with dark brown. Lives on high moorland and near sea level in the far north
The grey forewings are marked with black and have no central spot, whilst the hindwings are diagnostic in being white with a deep brown border and a dark central crescent. The moth takes to the wing as soon as the sun appears, even on cloudy but warm days. It flies very rapidly just above the vegetation in search of flowers, especially Bearberry and Cowberry during early summer.
Size and Family
- Family – Brocades, Quakers and allies (Hadenines)
- Medium Sized
Conservation status
- UK BAP: Not Listed
- Rare (Red Data Book category 3)
Particular Caterpillar Food Plants
The caterpillars feed by night on Bearberry, Bilberry, Cowberry, and Crowberry
Distribution
- Countries – Scotland
- Restricted to Scotland, where it occurs in the central Highlands, Wester Ross, Caithness, Argyll, Galloway and the Southern Uplands.
Habitat
This is a moth of high mountains where it occurs at around 600 to 650 metres on slopes, ridges and summits.
