Anania hortulata
Forewing length: 14-15 mm
Description
The Small Magpie is one of many species of Lepidoptera that use Common Nettle as a foodplant. As a consequence it is common and can be seen almost anywhere. The black and white wings and orangey-yellow head and thorax, with yellow banded abdomen, make this very distinctive, as striking as its larger namesake the Magpie Moth, but much smaller. It is no relation of that species being a member of the Crambid family. It is easily disturbed by day.
Flight Period
May-September.
Larval Food plants
Common Nettle and its relatives such as the Woundworts and mints.
Habitat
Gardens, waste ground, hedgerows.
Wiltshire Status
Resident, common and widely distributed.