Cixius nervosus - a lacehopper - Family: Cixiidae

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Cixius nervosus - a lacehopper
© Roger Key/English Nature

It is the very broad, transparent wings of lacehoppers, strongly-veined in shades of white or light grey, which lend them their resemblance to lace. They have tufts of white, waxy hairs on their abdomens but these are often missing, suggesting that they have been used as some sort of defence.

As a larva, this moth may be found on the roots of various species of broad-leaved tree and shrub. Adults may be seen on the foliage of silver birch, sallow and alder but also on various thistles and wild mustard.

Food

Plant-feeder on the foliage of various plants, especially trees and shrubs; the young on grass roots.

Plants

Common alder, Cotton thistle, Globe thistle, Marsh thistle, Meadow thistle, Melancholy thistle, Silver birch, Spear thistle