Noctuidae

73.010 Dewick's Plusia Macdunnoughia confusa (Stephens, 1850)

Immigrant

Similar species: This moth is unlikely to be mistaken for any other British or Irish species.

Forewing: 12 to 17mm

Habitats: In Britain mainly along the coast. In Europe it inhabits warm slopes, sunny woodland margins, heathland, moorland, arable land, parkland and gardens.

Habits: The moth occasionally flies in the day. It comes to light.

Foodplant: The larva is polyphagous and feeds on Common Nettle, Yarrow, mayweeds, Chamomile, Field Wormwood, other wormwoods and other herbaceous plants.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on Wormwood and White Dead-nettle. It pupates in a flimsy cocoon under a leaf.