The
Silver Y migrates to the UK in massive numbers each year - sometimes,
an estimated 220 million can reach our shores in spring! Seen throughout
the year, it is very common in gardens and grasslands.
About
The
Silver Y is a medium-sized moth that can be seen on warm days
throughout the year, although it is most common during the late summer.
At times, this migrant may be a very common visitor, especially in
flowery grasslands, sand dunes and gardens. It can often be seen flying
during the daytime, feeding on nectar from plants, such as Buddleia and
Lavender, but also flies at night. The caterpillars feed on a wide
variety of plants, including Stinging nettles, clover and cabbages. It
breeds here, but the early stages cannot survive our winter.How to identify
When
at rest, the Silver Y holds its wings back along its body in a
tent-like shape. The wings are patterned with dark grey, silver and
brown, and display a characteristic, silver, Y-shaped mark on the
forewings.Distribution
Widespread.Did you know?
The Silver Y is a common
migrant from the continent, sometimes arriving in vast numbers and often
at the same time as massive immigrations of Marmalade flies and 7-spot
Ladybirds, and smaller numbers of Clouded yellow butterflies and
Humming-bird hawk-moths.
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