Noctuidae

73.178 Beautiful Gothic Leucochlaena oditis (Hübner, [1822])

RDB / Immigrant

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

Forewing: 14 to 16mm

Habitats: Well drained coastal grassland slopes, sea-cliffs and quarries.

Habits: The moth rests on grass stems soon after dark. It comes to light a couple of hours later.

Foodplant: The larva feeds by night on Common Couch, Annual Meadow-grass and other grasses, growing slowly through the winter. In February the full-fed larva spins a cocoon in the soil in which it rests until pupation in late May or early June.