Noctuidae

73.184 Pale-lemon Sallow Xanthia ocellaris (Borkhausen, 1792)

Notable A / Immigrant

Similar species: Dusky-lemon Sallow Xanthia gilvago lacks the white spot within the darker scales on the trailing side of the kidney mark and the slightly hooked wing-tip. Both species may have strongly contrasting markings or pale markings.

Forewing: 18 to 19mm

Habitats: Commons, hedgerows, poplar plantations, road sides, river-banks and other lowland sites where the trees naturally occur or have been planted.

Habits: The moth is attracted to the flowers of grasses and rushes, over-ripe blackberries and sugar. It comes sparingly to light.

Foodplant: The small larva feeds inside a catkin of Black Poplar and occasionally cultivars such as Lombardy Poplar until the catkin falls. It then feeds on fallen leaves and the trees sucker growth, plus herbaceous plants such as dandelion and docks. The full-fed larva spins a cocoon under the soil where it rests for about six weeks before pupating.

On the European mainland it has been recorded feeding on Aspen.