Taxonomy
Evergestis pallidata belongs to the family Crambidae which includes the so called Grass Moths. This is a large Family with 140+ species recorded in Britain alone.
Description
A medium sized moth with a 24-29mm wingspan(1). This is one that can be easily identified in the garden with a good photograph and reference material. It is single brooded and flies June-August (2).
It’s place in the Garden (Visitor/Lured)
The larva/caterpillars feed on the leaves of brassica, primarily Winter Cress (2). We’ve only had a couple of records of this species in the Garden and don’t have any of the preferred Winter Cress growing. Therefore, likely a visitor just passing through and lured by our trap.
All stages of a moths development are subject to a wide range of predators. Including small mammals, birds and amphibians. Other invertebrates are also a major threat, including dragonflies, beetles, lacewing and wasps. As such whilst many view certain caterpillars as a pest, these small packets of protein help support a wide array of other beneficial and interesting species. Moths are of course interesting in their own right and are very welcome in the Garden.
How to encourage the species to your garden
Current distribution maps place this species local (very local/scarce further north) (2), so you are likely reliant on its presence in the wider countryside and hope that you can lure with a light trap.
- UK Moths: Species Account Page. https://www.ukmoths.org.uk/species/evergestis-pallidata/ – Accessed online 21st December 2022
- Sterling, P & Parsons, M (2012): Bloomsbury Wildlife Guides: Field Guide to the Micro moths of Great Britain and Ireland. Bloomsbury Publishing Ltd
Wildlife Garden 