Noctuidae

73.065 Sprawler Asteroscopus sphinx (Hufnagel, 1766)

Common

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

Forewing: 17 to 22mm

Habitats: Deciduous woodland and occasionally groups of trees in hedgerows and gardens in wooded areas.

Habits: The moth comes to light later in the evening.

Foodplant: The larva feeds mainly nocturnally on Pedunculate Oak, Silver Birch, Downy Birch, Ash, Small-leaved Elm, Beech, Goat Willow and other sallows, Hazel, Hawthorn and Blackthorn. It pupates in a cocoon deep under the soil.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on Hornbeam, limes, Aspen and poplars.