Axia margarita

Axia margarita is a moth of the family Cimeliidae first described by Jacob Hübner in 1813. It is found in Morocco, Spain, Portugal, southern France, Istria and southern Carniola.
The wingspan is 22–28 mm. Adults are mainly on wing during the day. There are two generations per year, with adults on wing from April to October.
The larvae feed on various species of spurge.

Subspecies

Axia margarita margarita
''Axia margarita andalusica''

Life and reproduction

The moths fly mainly during the day and produce two generations per year, between April and October. They rest with their wings folded roof-like on the lower stems of their forage plants, where their colouring allows them to blend in. The silvery-white spot in the middle of the front wings resembles a dewdrop, making them almost invisible. They only occasionally visit artificial light sources. The caterpillars feed on various species of spurge.