Dew Moth

An unmistakeable moth due to its colouration and the configuration of markings.  Can vary in colour from cream to yellow.  Its name is suggested to have arisen from the moth’s habit of hanging from a blade of grass or leaf when at rest in the day, giving it a transparent appearance.

The adult males fly in the afternoon, at dusk, after dark and at dawn. The females are largely nocturnal. The caterpillars can be found from August to the following June before pupating in a flimsy cocoon between stones or rocks.

Size and Family

• Family – Tigers, Ermines, Footmen and allies (Arctiids)
• Medium Sized 
• Wingspan Range – 22-36mm

Conservation Status

• UK BAP: Not listed
• Scarce (Nationally Scarce A)

Caterpillar Food Plants

Lichens

Habitat

Occurs on rocky coasts, shingle beaches and calcareous grassland inland.

Distribution

• Countries – England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland
• Nationally Scarce A. Scattered distribution along the southern and western coasts of England, on the Isle of Wight, the west coast of Wales and mainland Scotland.  Restricted to hilly habitats elsewhere, including the Burren in Ireland, Gloucestershire, Breconshire and the North Downs in Surrey.