The
magpie is a distinctive moth with striking black and yellow spots on
white wings. It is a frequent garden visitor, but also likes woodland,
scrub and heathland.
About
The
magpie is a medium-sized moth which is quite butterfly-like in
appearance. It is on the wing during summer when it can be frequently
found in gardens, as well as woodland, scrub and heather moorland. The
caterpillars feed on a variety of shrubs, including hazel, hawthorn,
privet and currants. The magpie overwinters as a caterpillar and pupates
in late spring.How to identify
The
magpie is mainly white, with black and yellow spots on the wings, and a
yellow-and-black body. The similar. The small magpie lacks the yellow
spots on the wings and is, as its name suggests, smaller.Distribution
Widespread in England, Wales and the lowlands of Scotland.Did you know?
The bold colours of the
magpie warn predators that it is distasteful. Although birds are wary of
this species, spiders will try to eat any caught in their web. After
trying it, however, they'll quickly discard it.
ConversionConversion EmoticonEmoticon