Last modified: Dec. 7, 2023, 1:52 p.m.
This cosmopolitan species is very rare in Belgium.
Native
Wingspan 12–16 mm. It has a short forward pointing tuft on the head. Males are dark brown to black with a conspicuous white ocellus and dorsal patch. The pre-tornal triangle pattern is characteristic. Females are pale brown to tan with a dark basal patch that does not extend to the costa. Males lack a forewing costal fold.
Late instar larvae are approximately 8-10 mm in length. The abdomen varies in color from whitish to yellowish brown to dark reddish brown. The head is yellowish brown to dark brown with black posterolateral margins. The prothoracic shield is dark yellowish brown. Pinacula are small and body colored. An anal comb is present with 4-6 teeth.
The adults have been observed from early June till late November in one or two generations a year.
The larva feeds on Lavatera arborea, Althaea,Malva, Hibiscus and some other related plants.
Can be seen everywhere.