Noctuidae

73.074 Bordered Straw Heliothis peltigera ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)

Immigrant

Similar species: Scarce Bordered Straw Helicoverpa armigera has variable and often obscure but visible markings on a warm brown forewing. The oval and kidney mark are outlined and have a central spot. It has a shallow central indentation on the inner side of the outer darker band and tiny black dots along the inside of the fringe the most obvious one being in the trailing corner. Eastern Bordered Straw Heliothis nubigera is a pale moth with red-brown markings. It often has white edged cross-lines and white veins. It also has distinct black dots along the outer edge at the base of the fringe. It has two distinct notches on the outer edge of the darker outer band, one near the leading edge and a smaller one near the trailing edge.

Forewing: 16 to 19mm

Habitats: Occasionally inland but mainly coastal areas in Britain. In Europe it inhabits arid slopes, flowery meadows and flower-rich clearings in woodland.

Habits: The moth flies in sunshine and at dusk and nectars at flowers. It comes to sugar and light after dark.

Foodplant: The larva feeds on the flowers of Common Restharrow, Ploughman's-spikenard, Scentless Mayweed, Sticky Groundsel, Pot Marigold and Mexican Marigold.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on Maize, Sorghum, medicks, Common Groundsel, thistles, Deadly Nightshade and other nightshades.