Lace Border

A dainty moth which cannot be confused with any other, due to its characteristic markings on the wing edges combined with its chalky white ground colour. Easily disturbed from low grassy vegetation by day in dry weather. Also flies from dusk onwards.

Size and Family

• Family – Waves (Sterrhines)
• Small Sized 
• Wingspan Range – 24-26mm

Conservation Status

• UK BAP: Not listed
• Scarce (Nationally Scarce A)

Caterpillar Food Plants

Thyme (Thymus polytrichus), Marjoram (Origanum vulgare) and possibly other herbs.

Habitat

A calcareous downland species. Has also been found on a disused railway emebankment.

Distribution

• Countries – England
• Perhaps most frequently encountered along the North Downs of Kent and Surrey, but also known from Norfolk and Gloucestershire with a few records elsewhere. Formerly found more widely in southern England as well as south Wales, but it has declined.