Mother of Pearl

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Patania ruralis

Mother of Pearl, a reference photo
Photo: Charles J. Sharp · CC BY-SA 4.0 (licence)

Patania ruralis, the mother of pearl moth, is a species of moth in the grass moth family Crambidae. It was described by Giovanni Antonio Scopoli in 1763. Its common name refers to its almost transparent wings which in oblique lighting show a pale blue pearlescent sheen. This is found in Europe, occurring almost across the continent and the nearshore islands, except for those in the Aegean and Western Mediterranean as well as Cyprus. The adults are on the wing from June to September depending on the location. The caterpillars eat mainly Urtica nettles; occasionally they are found on other eudicots.

From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Is it venomous or poisonous?

We have no record of Mother of Pearl being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Lepidoptera
Family
Crambidae
Genus
Patania
Species
Patania ruralis

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