Saving the small things that run the planet
Coastal Pearl
Fast Facts
Latin name: Mecyna asinalis
Notable feature: Long snout, beige-grey wings with distinctive brown patterns.
Conservation Status: Not Evaluated
Where in the UK: Native to the UK with patchy distribution around the coasts of South West England, Wales and Ireland.
Coastal Pearl (Mecyna asinalis) © janet graham (Flickr, CC BY 2.0)
The Coastal Pearl (Mecyna asinalis), sometimes known as the Madder Pearl, is one of the snout moths. The larvae feed on the lower surface of the leaves of wild Madder (Rubia peregrina), leaving a distinctive feeding pattern which can be used to help determine their presence. The adult moths fly between May and October.
- Size: Wingspan 25-29 mm (2.5-2.9cm)
- Life span: A few days to a week for adults.
- Diet: Larvae feed in July/August and from September to May, on the leaves of Wild Madder (Rubia peregrina). White blotches can be seen on the leaves, from a web under the leaves, the larvae hide low down at the base of the plant during the day. The larvae graze on the lower surface of the leaves of the wild madder, removing the epidermis to leave a distinctive feeding pattern.
- Reproduction: Egg-larva-pupa-adult.
- When to see: The adults can be found on the wing between May and October, probably in two generations.
- Population Trend: Declining
- Threats: In decline due to the loss of coastal grassland to “agricultural improvement”, or lack of grazing management leading to increased bracken and scrub. Restoration of wildflower-rich grassland and scrub will support the recovery of this species.
- Fun Fact: The foodplant for the Coastal Pearl, Madder (Rubia tinctorum), has been used since ancient times as a vegetable red dye for leather, wool, cotton and silk.
How can you help:
Buglife is working to restore the wildflower-rich grassland habitat of the Coastal Pearl in Cornwall and increase awareness about this species through the Kernow Wyls – People for Pollinators Project.
You can get involved with Kernow Wyls – People for Pollinators through a series of volunteering opportunities including habitat creation, pollinator surveying, as well as workshops, walks and talks. For more information please contact our Kernow Wyls Conservation Officer, Scott, at [email protected].
Do remember that we rely on donations to continue our work. If you have searched, found and learnt about our incredible invertebrates on our website, please do consider Making a Donation, Becoming a Member or maybe even making a purchase in our shop. For more ideas on how to support our work find out how to Get Involved. Thank you 🕷
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