Marbled White Moth

The species was first described by caspar stoll in 1782.

Marbled white moth.

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. It is classified under the subgenus coleta of the genus nyctemera in the family arctiidae. The marbled white is a distinctive and attractive black and white butterfly unlikely to be mistaken for any other species. It contains four subspecies.

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

It is found in the palearctic realm. Exif f 5 6 iso 400 1 250 sec 0 3 step nikon d7100 micro nikkor 105mm. Illustration from john curtis s british entomology volume 5. 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.

Alt name description. Adults are on the wing in the summer from june to august. Marbled white spot deltote pygarga hufnagel 1766 wingspan 20 22 mm. Strong colonies can be found on warm species rich chalk and limestone grasslands but woodland rides railways cuttings and road verges are also frequented.

This butterfly is unmistakable its black and white markings distinguishing it from all other species found in the british isles. In july it flies in areas of unimproved grassland and can occur in large numbers on southern downland. It is a commonly seen moth species here in kerala. The larvae feed on a wide range of low growing plants.

Distributed locally in the southern half of england and parts of north wales occupying acid heaths and damp woodland habitats. There are two broods flying in may and june and again from august to october sometimes later. In association with the norfolk moth survey. It shows a marked preference for purple flowers such as wild marjoram field scabious thistles and knapweeds.