Noctuidae

73.0041 Boathouse Gem Thysanoplusia daubei (Boisduval, 1840)

Immigrant

Similar species: Accent Gem Ctenoplusia accentifera has a much less extended silver mark on the forewing and a dark area only to the outside of it rather than both sides. It has a less contrasting orange-brown outer central cross-line, rather than white and well defined. Essex Y Cornutiplusia circumflexa is much larger (16 to 21mm) and has a more jagged outer central cross-line that is dirty white to pale orange.

Forewing: 12.5 to 15mm

Habitats: In southern Europe it inhabits arid scrub, rough ground, arable land and coastal sand-dunes, but also wetlands and gardens.

Habits: The moth flies from dusk, nectars at flowers and comes to light. The first British record was at the Lizard, Cornwall on 10th November 2014. It was recorded again in Littlehampton, West Sussex, on 30th July 2020.

Foodplant: The early stages have not been recorded in Britain. In southern Europe and north Africa it is known to be polyphagous on herbaceous plants and will feed on mints, sow-thistles, Chicory and many other species.