Noctuidae

73.030 Sorcerer Aedia leucomelas (Linnaeus, 1758)

Immigrant

Similar species: Alchymist Catephia alchymista is larger (19 to 21mm) and lacks a pale squashed triangular shaped bar to the trailing side of the kidney mark. Both species have a white hindwing with a broad black bar with small white areas outside the bar.

Forewing: 14 to 16mm

Habitats: Open habitats where the foodplants are found, including fallow fields, reed-beds and coastal cliffs.

Habits: The moth comes to light.

Foodplant: The early stages have not been recorded in Britain. In southern Europe the larva feeds on Field Bindweed and Hedge Bindweed. It pupates in an earth covered cocoon under the soil.