Noctuidae

73.078 Reddish Buff Acosmetia caliginosa (Hübner, [1813])

RDB (Protected species)

Similar species: This moth is unlikely to be mistaken for other British or Irish species. The larger males are often darker and more reddish than the females.

Forewing: M 13 to 15mm, F 9 to 12mm

Habitats: Open heathland with an abundance of the foodplant.

Habits: The male is sometimes disturbed during the late afternoon and comes to light from soon after dark, but continuing all night. The female is rarely seen, except both sexes may bask on the leaves of the foodplant during early morning sunshine.

Foodplant: The larva feeds mainly at night on Saw-wort. During the day it rests on the underside of a leaf. It pupates under the soil