Noctuidae

73.015 Silver Y Autographa gamma (Linnaeus, 1758)

Immigrant

Similar species: If care is taken and the shape of the "Y" and variability in size and colour is taken into account, this moth is unlikely to be mistaken for any other British or Irish species, except in rare cases where the central forewing "Y" mark is broken.

Forewing: 13 to 21mm

Habitats: It inhabits most sunny habitats including downland, herb-rich grassland, woodland rides and gardens.

Habits: The moth is easily disturbed during the day and flies in sunshine when it nectars at flowers. It is very active from just before sunset and later comes to light.

Foodplant: The larva is polyphagous on bedstraws, clovers, Dandelion, docks, Common Nettle, Common Toadflax, Purple Toadflax, Sugar Beet, Garden Pea, Cabbage, Runner Bean and other herbaceous plants growing in open sunny situations. It has been recorded on over 200 plant species around the world. Most British larvae result from immigrant moths. It pupates in a flimsy cocoon on a leaf of the foodplant or in the leaf litter.