Marbled White Moth

Illustration from john curtis s british entomology volume 5.

Marbled white moth.

Alt name description. The larvae feed on a wide range of low growing plants. The marbled white is a distinctive medium sized white butterfly with black chequered markings. Protodeltote pygarga the marbled white spot is a species of moth of the family noctuidae.

It is classified under the subgenus coleta of the genus nyctemera in the family arctiidae. 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. This butterfly is unmistakable its black and white markings distinguishing it from all other species found in the british isles.

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. A common and remarkably variable species which is found throughout britain in a wide range of habitats. Marbled white spot deltote pygarga protodeltote pygarga norfolk moths the macro and micro moths of norfolk. Despite its name the marbled white is more closely related to the subfamily known as the browns that the whites.

It shows a marked preference for purple flowers such as wild marjoram field scabious thistles and knapweeds. It is found in the palearctic realm. Marbled white spot marbled white spot deltote pygarga species additional images click here to support naturespot by making a donation small or large your gift is very much appreciated. 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. There are two broods flying in may and june and again from august to october sometimes later. 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.

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 contains four subspecies. It is found along india. In association with the norfolk moth survey.