Noctuidae

73.024 Marbled White Spot Protodeltote pygarga (Hufnagel, 1766)

Common

Similar species: Pretty Marbled Deltote deceptoria has a white base to the forewing and a white area to the outside of the kidney mark at the leading edge.

Forewing: 11 to 13mm

Habitats: Damp woodland clearings, grassy moorland and heathland.

Habits: The moth is sometimes disturbed from rest on tree trunks or gate posts during the day. It comes to light and sugar.

Foodplant: The larva feeds on Purple Moor-grass, False Brome and probably Tufted Hair-grass, Wood Small-reed and other grasses. It pupates in a cocoon just below the soil surface.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on Raspberry, Honeysuckle and also Cock's-foot and Wood Small-reed.