Brown China-mark Elophila nymphaeata
Brown China-mark Elophila nymphaeata
Adult • Holme, Norfolk • © Peter Tilley

63.114 BF1345

Brown China-mark Elophila nymphaeata

(Linnaeus, 1758)

[Synonyms: Nymphula nymphaeata]

Wingspan 22-30 mm.

The group of moths known as China-marks are unusual in that their larvae are entirely aquatic, feeding on water plants.

This species is quite variable, and some examples are quite dark and dull-looking, whereas others can have delicately-patterned white patches and streaks.

The moth flies in July and August, and the species is fairly common around ponds, lakes and canals throughout Britain.


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