Noctuidae

73.072 Marbled Clover Heliothis viriplaca (Hufnagel, 1766)

RDB / Immigrant

Similar species: Shoulder-striped Clover Heliothis maritima has a distinct basal streak (or shoulder stripe) and a more oblique central cross band.

Forewing: 13 to 15mm

Habitats: Flower-rich sites on open breckland, chalk downland, broad flowery woodland rides and other large woodland clearings, lucerne and clover fields, field margins, fallow land and coastal sand or shingle beaches.

Habits: The moth flies rapidly in sunshine and nectars at Viper's Bugloss, Common Knapweed, Wild Marjoram and other flowers during the day. It comes to light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds on the flowers and unripe seed-heads of Hawk's-beard, Red Clover, Common Toadflax, Chicory, Wild Carrot, Sticky Groundsel, White Campion, Bladder Campion, Restharrows, Knapweeds, Scabiouses and other low growing plants. It pupates in a flimsy cocoon in the leaf litter or in loose soil.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on Field Wormwood, sorrels, Larkspur, Carthusian Pink and Pitch Trefoil.