Beautiful China-mark (Nymphula nitidulata)
Species

Taken at Radley Lakes, Oxon., on May 30th 2025. (© David Hastings)
(1/640th sec at f/11)

Description

Family: Crambidae (ABH : 63.118)

Wing span: 20 - 22mm

This moth has a shining white fore-wing with brown markings, including three broadly round large blotches in the middle of the wing.

It can be found throughout the British Isles, but is local.

Habitats are fens, marshes and margins of lakes, rivers and streams.

The flight period is from May to September.

Larvae feed on Bur-reeds, Yellow Water-lily and possibly other water plants. The larvae are aquatic.

It is readily disturbed from waterside vegetation during the day, and comes to light.

Earliest UK sighting: 30th May ; Latest UK sighting: 15th August

Sightings

15-Aug-2025 : Radley Lakes, Oxon (1)
26-Jun-2025 : Aston, Oxon (1)
17-Jun-2025 : Aston, Oxon (1)
30-May-2025 : Radley Lakes, Oxon (1)

29-Jul-2022 : Radley Lakes, Oxon (1)
10-Jun-2022 : Radley Lakes, Oxon (1)

02-Aug-2021 : Radley Lakes, Oxon (1)
12-Jul-2021 : Radley Lakes, Oxon (2)
25-Jun-2021 : Radley Lakes, Oxon (5)