Small Magpie (Eurrhypara hortulata)

Although bearing the name Small Magpie, this moth is not related to the Magpie Moth (Abraxus grossulariata ) at all. In fact they are not part of the same family with the Magpie Moth being a geometrid and the Small Magpie being a pyralid.

The Small Magpie is a common moth of woodlands and areas with lots of shrubs and so also favours gardens as well as hedgerows.

The caterpillars can be found on members of the nettle and mint family and they make little 'nests', from a collection of leaves held together by silky spun webbing; a sight you often see when out for a walk.

The oth flies from June in to August and is quite numerous at this time of year.

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