Brown China-mark - Elophila nymphaeata

Description

Wingspan 22-30 mm. This species is quite variable and some examples are quite dark and dull-looking, whereas others can have delicately-patterned white patches and streaks.

Identification difficulty
Habitat

Around ponds, lakes and canals.

When to see it

The moth flies from June to August.

Life History

The group of moths known as China-marks are unusual in that their larvae are entirely aquatic, feeding on water plants.

UK Status

Fairly common throughout Britain. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common.

VC55 Status

Quite common in Leicestershire and Rutland. L&R Moth Group status = A (common and resident)

Reference
63.114 BF1345

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Species profile

Common names
Brown China-mark
Species group:
insect - moth
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Lepidoptera
Family:
Crambidae
Records on NatureSpot:
122
First record:
01/01/1998 (Adrian Russell)
Last record:
23/08/2025 (Hollingworth, Jane)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

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