Noctuidae

73.180 Barred Sallow Tiliacea aurago ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)

Common

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

Forewing: 14 to 16mm

Habitats: Deciduous woodland, scrub, hedgerows, downland and gardens.

Habits: The moth is attracted to flowers and over-ripe blackberries. It comes to sugar and light.

Foodplant: The young larva feeds nocturnally in a bud or flower of Field Maple, Beech or Pedunculate Oak. When larger it feeds externally on the foliage. In captivity it will accept Goat Willow, Hazel and elms. The full-fed larva spins a cocoon under the soil where it rests for about eight weeks before pupating.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on limes and poplars.