Pyrausta nigrata - Distribution map

Please note that the NBN Gateway map service has been terminated as of 1 April 2017.

As soon as a replacement map service is available, distribution maps will hopefully appear here again.

In the meantime, you can get some idea of distribution from the NBN Atlas website.

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63.009 BF1366

Pyrausta nigrata

(Scopoli, 1763)


Wingspan 14-17 mm.

With its blackish ground colour and creamy spots and cross-lines, this is quite a distinctive species, which flies in the daytime.

It occurs on chalky downland in the south of England and the limestone pavements of Cumbria and Westmorland.

The adults are on the wing in two overlapping generations from late April to about October.

The larvae feed on wild herbs, particularly thyme (Thymus) and marjoram (Origanum).
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