Noctuidae

73.164 Reddish Light Arches Apamea sublustris (Esper, 1788)

Local

Similar species: Light Arches Apamea lithoxylaea has a paler, white to buff forewing with some dark suffusion on the outer edge rather than red-brown wedges from the outer cross-line to the outer edge. The leading edge has separated blotches rather than continuous reddish colouring joining the blotches.

Forewing: 18 to 21mm

Habitats: Calcareous grassland, downland, breckland, vegetated shingle and sand-dunes.

Habits: The moth comes to light and sugar.

Foodplant: The larva initially feeds on the flowers and seeds of grasses. When larger it feeds on the stem bases from within a cavity at the base of the grass clump. It pupates under the foodplant or in the soil.

On the European mainland it has been recorded feeding on Sheep's Fescue and Purple Moor-grass.