Noctuidae

73.070 Bordered Sallow Pyrrhia umbra (Hufnagel, 1766)

Local

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

Forewing: 16 to 19mm

Habitats: Calcareous grassland, coastal downland and vegetated shingle. Occasionally in open woodland and recently coppiced woodland clearings.

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

Foodplant: The larva feeds mainly at night on the flowers, seeds and shoots of Common Restharrow, Spiny Restharrow, Rosebay Willowherb, Henbane, Sea Sandwort and the leaves of Hazel, oaks and willows. It pupates in a cocoon just below the soil surface.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on Sainfoin, Broom, Crown Vetch, crane's-bills, Snapdragon, Bramble, Ash and Alder.