Mother Shipton - Callistege mi

Wingspan 25-30 mm. The common name refers to the forewing markings, which appear to show an old lady or witch's head.

Downland, in rough grassland and waste places where Clovers and Trefoils, Medick or Lucerne occur.

A day-flying moth, preferring sunshine and taking short, rapid flights. It flies in May and June.

The larvae feed mainly on Clover and various grasses.

It is reasonably common over much of the British Isles, becoming scarcer in Scotland and Ireland. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.

Fairly frequent but not common in Leicestershire and Rutland. L&R Moth Group status = B (scarce resident or restricted distribution or regular migrant)