Noctuidae

73.126 Saltern Ear Amphipoea fucosa paludis (Tutt, 1888)

Local

Similar species: All of the other three British ear moths Amphipoea spp. are very similar with an overlapping variation of markings. Check genitalia.

Forewing: 14 to 16mm

Habitats: Salt-marsh, sand-dunes, broads and wet moorland.

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

Foodplant: The larva feeds inside the stem and root of grasses. In captivity it accepts Annual Meadow-grass and Cock's-foot. It pupates under the soil.

On the European mainland it has been recorded feeding on reed grass and Cock's-foot.