Marbled White Moth

Marbled white spot deltote pygarga hufnagel 1766 wingspan 20 22 mm.

Marbled white moth.

Alt name description. Marbled white spot deltote pygarga protodeltote pygarga norfolk moths the macro and micro moths of norfolk. There are two broods flying in may and june and again from august to october sometimes later. Marbled white moth is a species of moth from the erebidae family.

In july it flies in areas of unimproved grassland and can occur in large numbers on southern downland. It is classified under the subgenus coleta of the genus nyctemera in the family arctiidae. Exif f 5 6 iso 400 1 250 sec 0 3 step nikon d7100 micro nikkor 105mm. The marbled white is a distinctive and attractive black and white butterfly unlikely to be mistaken for any other species.

It is a commonly seen moth species here in kerala. It is found in the palearctic realm. The marbled white is a distinctive medium sized white butterfly with black chequered markings. Strong colonies can be found on warm species rich chalk and limestone grasslands but woodland rides railways cuttings and road verges are also frequented.

It is found along india. Illustration from john curtis s british entomology volume 5. Nyctemera coleta the marbled white moth or white tiger moth is a moth found from india to the philippines and from japan to papua new guinea. Protodeltote pygarga the marbled white spot is a species of moth of the family noctuidae.

Adults are on the wing in the summer from june to august. Despite its name the marbled white is more closely related to the subfamily known as the browns that the whites. This butterfly is unmistakable its black and white markings distinguishing it from all other species found in the british isles. A common and remarkably variable species which is found throughout britain in a wide range of habitats.

Distributed locally in the southern half of england and parts of north wales occupying acid heaths and damp woodland habitats. The species was first described by caspar stoll in 1782. It shows a marked preference for purple flowers such as wild marjoram field scabious thistles and knapweeds. In association with the norfolk moth survey.