63.040 BF1397

Mecyna asinalis

(Hübner, [1819])

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Wingspan 25-29 mm.

This subtly attractive Pyralid, sometimes known as the Madder Pearl, is scarcely distributed mainly around the coasts of south-west England, Wales and Ireland.

The adults can be found on the wing between May and October, probably in two generations.

The larvae graze on the lower surface of the leaves of wild madder ( Rubia peregrina), removing the epidermis to leave a distinctive feeding pattern.