Natural England

Natural England

Gardening with Wildlife in Mind

The Plant Press

© 2006-2010. Database provided and managed on behalf of Natural England by The Plant Press. Designed and implemented by Ideal Integration Ltd

 

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Dot moth - Melanchra persicariae - Family: Noctuidae

Dot moth - Melanchra persicariaeDot moth - Melanchra persicariae
© Rob Petley-Jones
UK distribution - East Anglia, Midlands, North, South East, South West

The dot moth, which flies from July to August, has bluish black wings with a distinctive white spot (the dot). It can be found in a variety of habitats but actually prefers gardens and suburban waste ground.

The smooth green caterpillars with white side stripes appear from August to October. These feed on many wild and garden plants and also, reportedly, on sallow, elder and larch saplings. There is an apparent fondness for Japanese anemone, Anemone japonica, and lupin. The moth is widespread in England and common especially in the south.

Food

Many wild plants including common nettle, dock, plantain, and dandelion. Garden plants, including Japanese anemone (Anemone japonica). Also, goat willow (Salix caprea), elder (Sambucus nigra) and larch saplings.

Plants

Common nettle, Dandelion, Elder, Goat willow

Predators

Ophion luteus

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