Noctuidae

73.158 Rustic Shoulder-knot Apamea sordens (Hufnagel, 1766)

Common

Similar species: Large Nutmeg Apamea anceps has an indistinct or absent basal streak and a less evenly coloured, more marbled forewing. It can also be larger (16 to 21mm).

Forewing: 16 to 19mm

Habitats: Calcareous grassland, grassy clearings in woodland, woodland rides, arable land, gardens and occasionally damp grassland.

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

Foodplant: The larva initially feeds on the flowers and seeds of Common Couch-grass, Cock's-foot and cereals such as wheat, oats and other grasses. When larger it feeds on the leaves. It pupates in a tough cocoon in the leaf litter or in the soil.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on Wood Small-reed, Timothy and fescues.