Erebidae

72.050 Dew Moth Setina irrorella (Linnaeus, 1758)

Notable A

Similar species: This moth is unlikely to be mistaken for any other British or Irish species.

Forewing: 11 to 18mm

Habitats: Calcareous grassland, coastal cliffs and vegetated shingle.

Habits: The male flies at dawn, in the late afternoon and from dusk. Both sexes come sparingly to light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds on lichens on rocks, pebbles, shingle and in grass. It pupates in a flimsy cocoon amongst stones.

On the European mainland it has been recorded feeding on Dog Lichen Peltigera canina and shield lichens Parmelia spp.