Noctuidae

73.119 Crescent Helotropha leucostigma leucostigma (Hübner, [1808])

Local

Helotropha leucostigma scotica (Cockayne, 1944)

Local

Similar species: If care is taken this moth is unlikely to be mistaken for any other British or Irish species.

Forewing: 14 to 17mm

Habitats: Reed-beds, carr, fens, marshes, bogs and wet moorland.

Habits: The moth visits the flowers of rushes and Common Reed. It is also attracted to sugar and light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds within the leaves, then stems and roots of Flag Iris, Great Fen-sedge and probably Purple Moor-grass. In captivity it will accept Cock's-foot and Whorl-grass. It pupates in a flimsy cocoon in the leaf litter.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on Bur-reed, reed grasses and willowherbs.