Noctuidae

73.091 Rosy Marbled Elaphria venustula (Hübner, 1790)

Notable B

Similar species: Although it could cause confusion by being mistaken for a micro-moth, this moth is unlikely to be mistaken for any other British or Irish species.

Forewing: 10 to 11mm

Habitats: Sheltered clearings in woodland, dry sheltered grassland with Bracken, grassy heathland and road verges.

Habits: The moth is occasionally disturbed in the day. It flies from dusk and later comes to light.

Foodplant: In Britain the larva is thought to feed on the flowers of Tormentil and Creeping Cinquefoil. In captivity it will accept the flowers of Bramble, Broom, roses, Garden Strawberry, Field Bindweed and Silverweed. It pupates in the leaf litter or in the soil amongst roots.

On the European mainland it has been recorded feeding on the flowers of cinquefoils, lady's-mantles, Heather, Cross-leaved Heath, Dyer's Greenweed, Broom and Bramble.