Noctuidae

73.076 Scarce Bordered Straw / Old World Bollworm Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner, [1808])

Immigrant

Similar species: Bordered Straw Heliothis peltigera is less variable with clearer markings on a pale to light brown forewing. It has a grey-brown kidney mark with an adjacent brown marking between that and the leading edge. The outer darker band lacks any indentations apart from where it meets the leading edge to form a dark triangle. It often lacks any black dots along the outer edge, although there are usually some 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: Arid slopes and dry grassland.

Habits: The moth flies in sunshine and nectars at clovers, hawkbits and other flowers during the day and at dusk. It comes to light and sugar after dark.

Foodplant: The polyphagous larva has been recorded feeding on over 200 plant species worldwide. In Britain the larva has been found feeding on Scarlet Geranium Pelargonium spp., Tree Mallow and Yellow Rattle.

In southern Europe it has also been recorded feeding on Amaranthus, Mignonette, pinks, bird's-foot trefoils, wild roses, Lesser Calamint, Giant Fennel Pelargonium spp., Nightshades and Tobacco. In Africa it is a pest of Cotton, Maize, Tomato and carnations.