10-10-2026 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - PEARL MOTH (Udea numeralis)

Udea numeralis is a species of small moth belonging to the family Crambidae (grass moths) and the subfamily Spilomelinae. It was first documented and described by the German entomologist Jacob Hübner in 1796.

Key Characteristics & Biology

• Appearance: The wingspan measures roughly 25–26 mm. Its forewings typically display variable base colorations ranging from straw-yellow and pale orange to copper-brown. The wings are patterned with distinctive darker spots, notably an orbicular stigma (circular mark) in the cell area and secondary gray or dark spots near the outer margin. Its legs are predominantly white.

• Distribution: This species is primarily native to Southern Europe (including Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Croatia, Greece, and Crete) and North Africa (such as Morocco and Algeria).

• Habitat: It is frequently found in sunny, low-scrub environments, olive groves, riverbanks, and coastal regions.

• Host Plants: The larvae feed on various herbaceous plants within the Asteraceae (Compositae) family, including genera like Urospermum and Pterotheca.

• Flight Period: Depending on the local climate, adults can be found on the wing almost year-round in warmer Mediterranean zones, commonly peaking from spring through autumn.

9-10-2026 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - PEARL MOTH (Udea numeralis)

The pearl moth (Udea numeralis) is a small species of snout moth in the family Crambidae.

Overview and Physical Characteristics

• Wingspan: Approximately 25 to 26 mm.

• Description: Originally described by the entomologist Jacob Hübner in 1796. It belongs to the subfamily Spilomelinae and the genus Udea.

Distribution and Habitat

• Location: It is found in Southern Europe—including France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Croatia, and Greece (such as the island of Crete)—as well as North Africa (Algeria and Morocco).

• Habitat: Commonly observed in warm, Mediterranean environments like olive groves and river banks.

Biology and Diet

• Food Plants: The larvae feed on plants from the Compositae (aster/daisy) family.

• Flight Period: In warmer southern regions like Crete, adults can be recorded across an extended period of the year.

3-10-2026 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - PEARL MOTH (Udea numeralis)

The pearl moth (Udea numeralis) is a small species of snout moth in the family Crambidae.

Overview and Physical Characteristics

• Wingspan: Approximately 25 to 26 mm.

• Description: Originally described by the entomologist Jacob Hübner in 1796. It belongs to the subfamily Spilomelinae and the genus Udea.

Distribution and Habitat

• Location: It is found in Southern Europe—including France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Croatia, and Greece (such as the island of Crete)—as well as North Africa (Algeria and Morocco).

• Habitat: Commonly observed in warm, Mediterranean environments like olive groves and river banks.

Biology and Diet

• Food Plants: The larvae feed on plants from the Compositae (aster/daisy) family.

• Flight Period: In warmer southern regions like Crete, adults can be recorded across an extended period of the year.

17-4-2023 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - PEARL MOTH (Udea numeralis)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/466373-Udea-numeralis

Udea numeralis is a species of moth in the family Crambidae described by Jacob Hübner in 1796. It is found in Southern Europe and North Africa.

The wingspan is about 26 mm.

11-9-2021 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - PEARL MOTH (Udea numeralis)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/466373-Udea-numeralis