Noctuidae

73.095 Pale Mottled Willow Caradrina clavipalpis (Scopoli, 1763)

Common

Similar species: Clancy's Rustic Caradrina kadenii is usually pale grey and does not have the dark suffusion on the outer edge of the forewing. Lorimer's Rustic Caradrina flavirena has a greyer forewing, lacks the reddish band of markings in the outer area of the forewing and often has a light orange marking between the white spots on the outer side of the kidney mark.

Forewing: 12 to 15mm

Habitats: Grassland and in the vicinity of farm buildings and gardens.

Habits: The moth nectars at flowers after dark and comes to light and sugar.

Foodplant: The larva feeds on the seeds of both growing and stored grasses, cereals and garden peas. It also eats the seeds of plantains. In captivity it will accept Dandelion leaves. The full-fed larva overwinters in a cocoon under the soil where it pupates in the spring.