Erebidae

72.084 Mother Shipton Callistege mi (Clerck, 1759)

Common

Similar species: The moth is named after Old Mother Shipton, a witch whose profile appears on the forewing. This moth is unlikely to be mistaken for any other British or Irish species.

Forewing: 13 to 16mm

Habitats: Rough grassland on downs, flower-rich grassy places on heathland, lowland moorland, embankments, road verges and open woodland rides.

Habits: The moth is easiy disturbed in the day and flies in sunshine. It nectars at flowers.

Foodplant: The larva feeds nocturnally on White Clover, Red Clover, Hare's-foot Clover, Black Medick, Lucerne, Common Bird's-foot Trefoil, Cock's-foot and other grasses. It rests along a stem during the day. It pupates in a cocoon spun low down between grass blades or just below the soil surface.