Home › G › Gooseberry or Magpie Moth

Gooseberry or Magpie Moth

(Abraxas grossulariata). This common and familiar moth is often mistaken for a butterfly. It usually appears about the middle of summer, and continues until autumn. Its wings have a white background, with numerous patches of black, varying much in size. At the base of the forewings is a yellow patch, and near the middle a band of yellow, between two rows of black spots. The colouring is, however, very variable. In the male, the antennae are very slightly feathered, while in the female they are thread-like. The female deposits her eggs singly on the leaves of Gooseberry or Black Currant bushes, generally towards evening; and the fact that the eggs are so thoroughly distributed by the moth, sufficiently explains, apart from its mere fecundity, how the caterpillars are so difficult to eradicate. The eggs soon hatch, and the larvae feed for from two to three weeks, and then lie secure within the folds of Gooseberry or Currant leaves, and pass a sort of torpid state of existence. When the winter is past, the caterpillar emerges from its temporary lodging, and again sets about the process of eating. The grub, when full grown, is white and orange, with some conspicuous black bands at each joint. The chrysalis is of a black colour, having a few orange rings round the segments of the body. The caterpillars of this pretty moth are exceedingly destructive, and will soon defoliate a very large space, especially if the trees are on walls. Hand-picking is very practicable, the caterpillars being conspicuous. Toads and birds will also take them; but damage will be prevented by seasonable precautions. For remedies, see Gooseberry and Currant Sawfly.