Morley’s Final Catalogue: …common in all our marshes, and occasionally at light.

Recent Status: A common and widely distributed species across the county.

Life Style: Parapoynx stratiotata appears to be double brooded in Suffolk. Alternatively the June peak may be emergence of individuals that have pupated before winter and the main peak be of those that hibernated as larvae and pupated in the spring of the year they emerged. The larvae are completely aquatic feeding from a web among a variety of water plants. They will wriggle to pass water over their body to increase gas exchange. They pupate in a submerged pink cocoon attached to a plant stem.

Identification: Parapoynx stratiotata is sexually dimorphic. The males are smaller than the females. The males are a dull brown and poorly marked. The females are whitish with well marked brown lines. Both sexes have a white dark ringed discal spot. It is possible for the male to be confused with the female of Cataclysta lemnata. If the discal spot difference is not clear then the hindwings should be examined for the specific character of Cataclysta lemnata. Parapoynx is a large genus. There are a number of species in Europe. There have been several Parapoynx species found as adventive species in Britain. These are usually associated with imported water plants at nurseries and can establish temporarily. Parapoynx species are very varied in markings and colours.

Recorded in 51 (88%) of 58 10k Squares. First Recorded in 1965. Last Recorded in 2024. Additional Stats

Exit Recorder