Noctuidae

73.040 Miller Acronicta leporina (Linnaeus, 1758)

Common

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

Forewing: 16 to 21mm

Habitats: Deciduous woodland, scrub on heathland and moorland, marshes, fens, parkland and gardens.

Habits: It flies from dusk when it nectars at flowers and visits sugar. It later comes to light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds on Downy Birch, Silver Birch or Alder and sometimes oaks, Aspen, Black Poplar or Grey Willow. It pupates burrowed into rotten wood.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on Hazel, oaks and Ash.