Noctuidae

73.109 Straw Underwing Thalpophila matura (Hufnagel, 1766)

Common

Similar species: Hedge Rustic Tholera cespitis often (but not always) has an extended point on the inner side of the kidney mark and has a whitish rather than straw coloured, black edged underwing in the male or grey shading to white at the edge in the female.

Forewing: 17 to 20mm

Habitats: Calcareous grassland, moorland, sand-dunes, open woodland and woodland clearings, parkland and gardens.

Habits: The moth flies from dusk when it nectars at the flowers of Marram grass and Common Ragwort. It is also attracted to sugar and light

Foodplant: The larva feeds nocturnally on Annual Meadow-grass, Mat-grass, Silver Hair-grass and other grasses. It pupates in a silk-lined chamber under the soil.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on Cock's-foot, Upright Brome, Smooth-stalked Meadow-grass and fescues.