Merveille du Jour

Dichonia aprilina

Dave Shenton
Iain H Leach
Ilia Ustyantsev

Identification Tip

Light green in colour with black markings, some of which are edged in white.

What do they eat?

Caterpillars munch on:

  • Oak trees

Adults take nectar from the flowers of English Ivy and also like to feed on overripe berries.

Where does it spend the winter?

In the autumn, the female moths lay their eggs on the branches and the bark of Oak trees. The eggs will stay through the winter, until caterpillars hatch out the following spring.

Size

small
medium
large

Flying Season

September - October

Life Cycle

Adult

September, October, November

Egg

January, February, March, November, December

Caterpillar

March, April, May, June

Chrysallis

June, July, August, September

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 Merveille du Jour

Merveille du Jour means “Wonder of the Day” in French. These moths rest on lichen during the day, perfectly camouflaged by the beautiful pattern on their wings.