49.118 BF948

Aethes margaritana

(Haworth, 1811)

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Wingspan c. 12-17mm.

A distinctive species, having a silky-white ground-colour and strong yellow-ochreous transverse markings, this is a relatively scarce moth in Britain, occurring mainly in the South-east of England. It prefers chalky habitats and shingle beaches.

Adults are on the wing in July and August.

The larvae feed in the flowers and seedheads of yarrow (Achillea millefolium) as well as scented mayweed (Matricaria recutita) and tansy (Tanacetum vulgare).