Merveille du jour

The merveille du jour is particularly marvellous because it flies in October and November, when moth numbers generally are in decline.

It is exceptionally beautiful when glistening and freshly hatched. Dead specimens in a collection will rapidly fade, losing the green. Despite its vivid patterning, it is well camouflaged when resting on patches of lichen on the oak trees where its larvae feed. The adults feed at ivy flowers. Not all adult moths feed: many of the smaller and less highly evolved species lack mouthparts altogether.