Butterfly Conservation Warwickshire - Saving butterflies, moths and their habitats in Warwickshire

Common Purple and Gold Warwickshire's Day-flying Moths Mother of Pearl

Small Magpie

Anania hortulata (63.025)

The Small Magpie is a common species which is regularly observed resting among patches of Common Nettle (Urtica dioica). It is on the wing during June and July and is generally more common further south.

Larval Foodplants

The primary larval foodplant is Common Nettle (Urtica dioica) but it will also feed on Woundworts (Stachys spp.), Mints (Mentha spp.), Horehounds (Marrubium and Ballota), and Bindweeds (Convolvulus and Calystegia).

The larva feed from within a rolled leaf between August and September before hibernating within a silk cocoon under tree bark or in a hollow stem. The larvae pupate in May within the same cocoon.

Please note: From February 2023 all sightings records should be submitted via the iRecord Butterflies app available via the iTunes or Google Store. Find out more here: iRecord at Butterfly Conservation.

Small Magpie

Anania hortulata (63.025)

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