Noctuidae

73.006 Accent Gem Ctenoplusia accentifera (Lefebvre, 1827)

Immigrant

Similar species: The open silver mark in the forewing of Boathouse Gem Thysanoplusia daubei is very elongated, making it look like the head and long beak of a bird. There is a dark area on both inner and outer sides of the silver mark rather than just to the outside. The outer central cross-line is white and clearly defined. Essex Y Cornutiplusia circumflexa is much larger (16 to 21mm). There is dark area on both inner and outer sides of the silver mark rather than just to the outside.

Forewing: 11 to 14mm

Habitats: In the Mediterranean region it is mainly found on ruderal plants on coastal wasteland.

Habits: The moth comes to light.

Foodplant: The early stages have not been recorded in Britain. In the Mediterranean region and Africa it is known to be polyphagous on Mints, Wild Chicory, Cineraria spp., Verbena spp., Coleus spp. and many other plants. It pupates in a flimsy cocoon on the foodplant.