Pearly Heath

Habitat: Grassy, flower-rich areas with shrubs. Damp or dry, grassy clearings in forests or along forest edges.

Appearance: The Pearly Heath is widespread in the wooded areas of much of Europe, but is absent from the British Isles and southern Spain. In Belgium, it is only found in the south-east of the country. Extinct in the Netherlands.

Flying time: One generation, mid-May to mid-August, appearing over a long period.

Characteristics: Wingspan 28-35 mm

Life cycle: Host plants of the grass family Poaceae, such as Tor-grass (Brachypodium pinnatum) and Meadow soft grass (Holcus lanatus). The female lays her eggs one by one or in small groups on grass leaves. The species overwinters as a half-grown caterpillar. The butterfly sucks nectar from flowers, such as Clover and Thistles, etc.