[[Image:Udea_elutalis.jpg|thumb|Udea elutalis]]
Udea elutalis is a species of [[moth]] in the family [[Crambidae]], a large family of moths commonly known as crambid snouted moths or grass moths. It belongs to the [[subfamily]] [[Spilomelinae]] within this family.
Description
Udea elutalis is a relatively small moth with a typical [[wingspan]] ranging from 18 to 22 [[millimetre|mm]]. The [[forewing]]s are generally brownish-ochreous, often with a somewhat speckled appearance due to darker scales. They feature characteristic darker markings, including indistinct [[reniform spot|reniform]] and [[orbicular spot|orbicular]] stigmata, and usually two wavy, dark [[fascia (entomology)|fasciae]] (transverse lines) across the wing. A subterminal line may also be faintly visible. The [[hindwing]]s are typically a uniform greyish-brown, sometimes paler towards the base, with a faint darker subterminal line. Due to variation within the species and its similarity to other members of the genus Udea, careful examination may be required for accurate identification.Distribution
This species has a wide [[Palearctic realm|Palearctic]] distribution. It is found across much of [[Europe]], including most countries from the [[British Isles]] eastward, though it tends to be less common or absent in the far north. Its range extends into [[Asia]], including [[Turkey]], the [[Caucasus region]] (e.g., [[Armenia]]), [[Russia]] (including parts of [[Siberia]]), [[Kazakhstan]], and parts of [[China]].Biology and Ecology
Udea elutalis is typically bivoltine (producing two generations) in many parts of its range, flying from May to June and again from July to September. In cooler northern regions, it may be univoltine (one generation per year). Adults are nocturnal and are often attracted to artificial light sources.The [[larva|larvae]] are [[polyphagous]], meaning they feed on a variety of plants from different families. Recorded [[host plant]]s include species from genera such as [[Plantago]] (plantain), [[Taraxacum]] (dandelion), [[Urtica]] (nettle), [[Stellaria]] (chickweeds/stitchworts), [[Lamium]] (dead-nettle), [[Mentha]] (mint), [[Origanum]] (oregano), and [[Thymus]] (thyme). The larvae are generally greenish with a darker dorsal line. Pupation occurs in a silken cocoon, often spun among the leaves of the host plant or in the soil litter.
This moth inhabits a variety of open and semi-open habitats, including grasslands, meadows, heathland, open woodlands, gardens, and waste ground.