Broom Moth

The Broom Moth (Ceramica pisi) is a widespread and generally common moth across Britain and Europe, with a wingspan of 32–37mm and variable brownish forewings. It produces one generation annually, adults flying from late May to July, while the boldly striped caterpillars — up to 45mm long with bright yellow longitudinal markings — can be found from June through September feeding at night on a wide variety of plants including broom, heather, gorse, bramble and willow; they overwinter as pupae in the soil. Though still widespread, it has experienced some decline in recent decades, and its scientific name pisi means "of peas", a historical reference to it occasionally being found in pea crops.