Agate owl moth

Attractive moth. The delicately drawn Agate Owl Moth (Habrosyne pyritoides), can be regarded as a typical species of blackberry bushes and forest edges within the Dingden Heath.
Its forewings are impressively beautiful and have a pattern similar to that of the semi-precious stone. The coloring of its hindwings is more grey-brown and lighter in the middle. Wing span: 35-40 mm.

The butterflies fly in a long generation from mid-May to September, with most animals being found around the turn of June/July.
The caterpillars feed primarily on blackberry leaves, but also on raspberries and there is also evidence of meadowsweet – a tall perennial that is also widespread in the Dingden Heath.
They are strongly attracted to artificial light.