Noctuidae

73.182 Sallow Xanthia icteritia (Hufnagel, 1766)

Common

Similar species: This moth has a variable intensity of forewing markings, but the combination of pale-yellow to pale-orange forewing with a hooked tip should separate it from similar British or Irish species.

Forewing: 14 to 17mm

Habitats: Deciduous woodland, carr, marshes, fens, moorland, heathland, vegetated sand-dunes and gardens.

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

Foodplant: The young larva feeds inside a catkin of a Grey Willow, Goat Willow, other willows or a poplar, until it falls. It then feeds on fallen catkins and herbaceous plants such as docks. The full-fed larva spins a cocoon under the soil where it rests for about six weeks before pupating.