Small Scallop - Idaea emarginata

Wingspan 22 to 25 mm. This is a fairly distinctive moth.

Occupying damp deciduous woodland, meadows and marshes.

It flies between June and August after dark, when it can be attracted to light, but it can also be flushed in the daytime.

The caterpillar is brownish and believed to feed on Bedstraw (Galium) in the wild, though in captivity it can be reared on a number of plants, preferring withered leaves.

Occurs widely but never commonly in England and Wales. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local.

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