Marbled Beauty
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Cryphia domestica
Fairly common over the larger part of Britain, it is somewhat more local in Scotland.
The Larva is bluish grey with orange markings along the back.
The Larvae feeds on lichens, especially rock-growing species like Lecidia confluens.
This species overwinters as a Larva.
The forewings are white with dark grey cryptic markings, giving excellent camouflage against the lichens on which the eggs are laid.
The intensity of the markings vary considerably, with darker individuals predominating in urban areas, an example of industrial melanism.
The hindwings are whitish with a broad grey band at the margin.
The Adults fly at night in July and August and are attracted to light.