Mother of Pearl
(Patania ruralis) Bromley

Wingspan 26-40 mm.

One of the largest of Britain's so-called 'micro-moths'; in fact it is larger than many of the 'macro-moths', though this division is largely artificial.

The moth rests with all four wings on display, which show a colourful rainbow-like lustre in certain lighting conditions, as the English name suggests.

Common throughout most of Britain, the adults fly from dusk onwards, and are often attracted to light.

The larvae feed on nettle (Urtica dioica), in a rolled-up leaf.