Size: It has a small wingspan ranging from 18 to 25 mm.Appearance: The wings are adorned with a lacy, variegated pattern of fine lines and a silky texture.
Variation: Coloration can range depending on subspecies, often appearing pale grayish-brown or light ochre to blend into its arid environment.
Distribution: Primarily native to the Mediterranean basin, it is widely observed in regions spanning from NW-Africa and Southern Europe (such as Spain and Greece) through Turkey and the Levant.Environment: The moth favors open, dry grasslands, rocky slopes, screes, and scrublands (phrygana).
Flight Period: It typically undergoes two generations per year. Depending on the local climate, adults can be found on the wing from May to October.
Lifecycle & DietFood Plants: The larvae are oligophagous, meaning they feed on a restricted group of plants. Their primary host plants include mint-family herbs like Thymus, Satureja, and Origanum vulgare (wild marjoram).
Larval Stage: The caterpillars are slender and taper slightly toward the head, typically active in the warmer months.
