Noctuidae

73.087 Small Mottled Willow / Beet Armyworm Spodoptera exigua (Hübner, [1808])

Immigrant / Resident in Channel Islands

Similar species: Dark Mottled Willow Spodoptera cilium is similar to the darker form of Small Mottled Willow but has a broader forewing, a yellow-brown oval, a dark grey-brown kidney mark outlined with pale scales and the males have slightly longer projections on the antennae.

Forewing: 13 to 14mm

Habitats: In Europe it inhabits dry warm, semi-arid areas, rocky slopes and inland dunes, but will exploit crops in most areas.

Habits: The moth is occasionally disturbed in the day. It nectars at Buddleia and Ivy blossom after dark and comes to light.

Foodplant: The polyphagous larva is a pest in warmer countries around the world, feeding on the leaves and fruit of Cotton, Asparagus, Peas, beans, Tomato, Potato, Tobacco, Lettuce, beets, Celery, cereals and many other crops. It has also been recorded feeding on Pot Marigold, Scarlet Pimpernel and Viper's Bugloss. In captivity the larva will accept Dandelion, docks, Groundsel, Common Restharrow and other low growing plants.