Erebidae

72.051 Clay Fan-foot Paracolax tristalis (Fabricius, 1794)

Notable A / Immigrant

Similar species: Olive Crescent Trisateles emortualis is more olive or dull brown in colour and the bend in the outer cross-line occurs closer to the leading edge.

Forewing: 14 to 16mm

Habitats: Deciduous woodland with large open clearings containing regrowth.

Habits: The moth is easily disturbed from low foliage during the day. It flies from dusk and comes sparingly to light and sugar.

Foodplant: The larva feeds on oaks and possibly Hawthorn, Hazel and other deciduous trees, feeding on the withered leaves on the tree and moist fallen leaves. It pupates spun in the leaf litter.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on Alder.