The Ethmia pyrausta is a moth with black wings and an orange body that is sometimes refered to as being "mythical" because it is so rarely found. A moth is an Insect closely related to the Butterfly, both being of the order Lepidoptera. Its close relatives can also be found in most areas throughout Northern Europe.
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Physical Description
Wingspan 17-23mm. It has black wings and a "hairy" orange body.
Sightings in the UK
They were first recorded in the Shin Valley in 1853
Two were found in 1996 on the top of Glas Maol in the Grampians with a further two found nearby. Glas Maol is the highest point in the Mounth hills in the southeastern part of the Highlands of Scotland.
In June 2008 an adult Ethmia pyrausta moth was discovered in Easter Ross, by Andy Scott and Margaret Currie after finding it trapped in a spider web. Easter Ross is a loosely defined area in the east of Ross, Highland, Scotland. Andrew Scott may refer to Andrew Scott (actor, Irish film television and stage actor Andrew Scott (bishop (1772&ndash1846 Roman [1]
Habitat
It is a suspected rare immigrant to the UK, and also found in other areas in Northern Europe. [2]
Larva live in a thin silky spin between the leaves and flowers of Greater Meadow-rue and possibly Common Meadow-rue. Thalictrum is a Genus of 120-200 species of Flowering plants in the family Ranunculaceae. There is no evidence of breeding in the UK. [3]
External Links
Swedish Museum of Natural History
The Hampshire & Isle of Wight Branch of Butterfly Conservation
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