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Muslin Moth
Diaphora mendica (Clerck, 1759)
Erebidae: Arctiinae
2063 / 72.022
Photo © Julian Francis,  aberrant form on left, typical male on right

Similar Dorset Species
White Ermine
Spilosoma lubricipeda
Forewing: M 14-17mm. F 17-19mm.
Flight: May - June
Foodplant:   Herbaceous plants
Red List: Least Concern (LC)
GB Status: Common
Verification Grade:  Adult: 1

Davey, P., 2009: A widespread species in all but the far north of Britain, the larva feeding on a various herbaceous plants. In Dorset, the moth is ubiquitous and frequently rises to common in damp woodland. Males are readily attracted to light, but the seldom-encountered females may occasionally be seen during the day flying in sunshine. A male ab. rustica where the usual brown ground colour was replaced by white was trapped at Chamberlaynes by H Andrewes.

Recorded in 36 (90%) of 40 10k Squares.
First Recorded in 1895.
Last Recorded in 2019.
(Data up to end 2019)

Latest 5 Records (Data up to end 2019)
Date#VC10k Area
03/06/201919SY98 - Wareham
02/06/201929SZ08 - Studland / Sandbanks
31/05/201919ST90 - Spetisbury
30/05/201919ST61 - Sherborne
29/05/201919SY98 - Wareham
Further info: Diaphora mendica
 
UK Moths
Mothdissection UK
Lepiforum.de Dorset Moths (Full)
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