Noctuidae

73.028 Pale Shoulder Acontia lucida (Hufnagel, 1766)

Immigrant / Resident Jersey

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

Forewing: 12 to 15mm

Habitats: Open hot and dry hillsides, ruderal and flower-rich places.

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

Foodplant: The larva feeds on Field Bindweed, Common Mallow, Dwarf Mallow, Marsh-mallow, hollyhocks and Ground-ivy. It pupates in a cocoon under the soil surface.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on Annual Hollyhock, Musk Mallow, Dandelion and goosefoots.