Noctuidae

73.113 Angle Shades Phlogophora meticulosa (Linnaeus, 1758)

Common / Immigrant

Similar species: This moth is unlikely to be mistaken for any other British or Irish species.

Forewing: 21 to 25mm

Habitats: Woodland, scrub, hedgerows, grasslands, heathland, moorland, marshes, fens, sand-dunes, wasteground and gardens.

Habits: The moth is often found at rest during the day on walls and fences. It flies from dusk when it nectars at flowers and grasses. It is also attracted to sugar and light.

Foodplant: The polyphagous larva feeds on Broad-leaved Dock, chickweeds, crane's-bills, Common Nettle, Borage, Field Bindweed, vetches, dead-nettles, strawberries, Red Valerian and many other herbaceous plants as well as deciduous trees and shrubs such as Barberry, Hop, Bramble, Blackthorn, Hazel, sallows, birches and oaks. It pupates in a cocoon just under the soil.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on Hard Fern, Common Ragwort, mints, Spinach, Celery, Grape, Spear Thistle, Alder, Apple, Pear, Ivy and Broom.