Eurrhypara hortulata
This beautiful and distinctive moth had flown into my dining room and had landed on the patio window. It has a bright yellow head and thorax, with traces in the black-banded abdomen. The forewings and hindwings are white with dark brownish markings which can vary in tonal intensity from grey through brown to black. Wingspan up to 28mm.
It flies June to July, and is found on woodland margins, in hedgerows, and in gardens. Common and widespread throughout except where it is more local in northern England and Scotland.
The caterpillar feeds on Common Nettle and occasionally Mint.
Photographs of Small Magpie (Eurrhypara hortulata) taken in July 2015, in house, Staffordshire. © Pete Hillman 2015. Camera used Nikon D3200, with Sigma 105mm macro lens.
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