Magpie Moth

Abraxas grossulariata

Species ID / Magpie Moth
Ben Sale
Ilia Ustyantsev
Patrick Clement
J Bebbington
Dave Shenton

Identification Tip

White with variable black spots and splodges, with orange near the head and shoulders, and an orange stripe along their front wings.

What do they eat?

Caterpillars munch on a range of woody shrubs including:

  • Currant and gooseberry bushes
  • Hazel
  • Garden Privet
  • Heathers (in northern Scotland)

Where does it spend the winter?

Caterpillars stay on their host shrub right through the winter and following spring. In the early summer they turn into a chrysalis before transforming into the adult moth.

Ideas to help Magpie Moth in your Wild Space

10 butterfly-friendly plants for pots and planters

Butterfly-friendly plants for hanging baskets

Plant a butterfly-friendly tree or shrub

Leave stems and flowerheads uncut over winter

Make your hedge a haven for butterflies and moths

Size

small
medium
large

Flying Season

June - August

Life Cycle

Adult

June, July, August

Egg

August

Caterpillar

January, February, March, April, May, June, August, September, October, November, December

Chrysallis

June

UK Distribution

  • England
  • Scotland
  • Wales
  • Northern Ireland

Want to learn

more?

There is even more about this species on the main Butterfly Conservation website

Fun Facts
about the Magpie Moth

Magpie moths play ‘dead’ when handled, to put off potential predators.