Noctuidae

73.061 Anomalous Stilbia anomala (Haworth, 1812)

Local

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

Forewing: 13 to 15mm

Habitats: Grassy areas on moorland, lowland heathland, coastal grassland and dune-slacks.

Habits: The moth flies from dusk and sits on the foodplant and adjacent foliage after dark. It comes to light, the female less often.

Foodplant: The larva feeds on Wavy Hair-grass, Tufted Hair-grass and probably other grasses. The larva forms a cocoon under the soil where it pupates several weeks later.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on White Wood-rush.