Melanchra persicariae (Linnaeus, 1761)

Host plants:
The larvae are polyphagous, but live quite often on Urtica dioica, Atropa belladonna, Circaea species, Senecio fuchsii and others.

Habitat:
Melanchra persicariae inhabits mostly humid, semi- to fully-shaded woodlands and edges, for example along paths.

Life cycle:
The moths fly in June and July. The caterpillars can be found in August and September, sometimes already in July. They often sit open on the upper leaf surface or on the stalk. The pupa overwinters.

Remarks:
Melanchra persicariae is a widespread and fairly common species and is found from Spain to East Asia.