Noctuidae

73.056 Water Betony Cucullia scrophulariae ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)

Immigrant / possible overlooked resident on Guernsey

Similar species: Striped Lychnis Cucullia lychnitis and Mullein Moth Cucullia verbasci can only reliably be separated from this species by checking the genitalia, unless reared through from a larva.

Forewing: 18 to 22mm

Habitats: Damp open woodland and other open areas where the foodplants grow.

Habits: The moth occasionally comes to light. The first confirmed records on the British mainland were from the Swanage area in Dorset on 12th June 1949 and 18th May 1994. The first confirmed record on Guernsey was from St Peters in 2005. Larvae were found there on 14th July 2009.

Foodplant: The larva feeds on the flowers and seeds of mulleins and figworts. It pupates in an earth covered cocoon in the leaf litter or in the soil.

On the European mainland it has been recorded feeding on Common Figwort, Green Figwort (Water Betony), Shoreline Figwort and occasionally White Mullein or Great Mullein.