Erebidae

72.066 Waved Black Parascotia fuliginaria (Linnaeus, 1761)

Notable B / suspected Immigrant

Similar species: Although at first glance it looks like a geometrid, if care is taken this moth is unlikely to be mistaken for any other British or Irish species.

Forewing: 11 to 14mm

Habitats: Damp or wet woodland. Occasionally on damp stored logs and other wood in buildings.

Habits: The moth is occasionally disturbed in the day. It flies from dusk and is attracted to sugar and light soon after dark.

Foodplant: The larva feeds on the underside of Varicoloured Bracket Fungus Triametes versicolor, Birch Polypore Piptoporus betulinus, Crampballs Daldinea concentrica, Botryobasidium spp., Purplepore Bracket Fungus Trichaptum abietinum, Oyster Rollrim Tapinella panuoiedes, Hairy Curtain Crust Stereum hirsutum, Dyers Mazegill Phaelus schweinizii and other fungi growing on rotting logs and tree stumps, especially those of pines or birches. The lichen Cladonia fimbriata is also eaten if moist. It pupates in a cocoon made from silk and wood fragments suspended under wood or a dried fungi.