Description

Wingspan 17 - 22mm. The body is mainly black with six yellow bands around the abdomen. The wings are clear with a black border and partially coloured with orange. They can easily be mistaken for wasps as they fly low across the ground.

Habitat

The larvae feed on the roots of Bird's-foot Trefoil and Kidney Vetch, so the moths can be found where these plants grow, on downland or open waste ground.

Status and distribution

Widespread but local in the southern half of Britain. Fairly common in Nottinghamshire, on old coal field sites. Common at Netherfield Lagoons. Spreading northwards.

Best time to see

June to August.