Noctuidae

73.077 Pease Blossom Periphanes delphinii (Linnaeus, 1758)

Uncertain (Immigrant, Adventive, Extinct Resident?)

Similar species: This beautiful purple-pink shaded moth with dark cross-lines and kidney mark is unlikely to be mistaken for any other British or Irish species.

Forewing: 14 to 15mm

Habitats: In Britain along the coast and in gardens. In southern Europe arable field margins, fallow fields and occasionally embankments and herbaceous scrub.

Habits: The moth flies in sunshine. It comes to light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds on Larkspur and Monk's-hood. In Europe it has also adapted to feeding on garden Delphiniums. It pupates under the soil.