Noctuidae

73.023 Lempke's Gold Spot Plusia putnami gracilis Lempke, 1966

Local

Similar species: Gold Spot Plusia festucae has the silvery-white marking adjacent to the three golden blotches at the wing-tip ending in a point where it crosses the outer central cross-line.

Forewing: 14 to 15mm

Habitats: Marshes, fens, upland pasture and damp woodland clearings.

Habits: The moth flies from dusk when it nectars at flowers. It later comes to light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds on Yorkshire-fog, Wood Small-reed, Purple Small-reed and other marshland grasses. It pupates in a cocoon spun amongst the foodplant.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on Bur-reed and fescues..