Noctuidae

73.192 Brick Sunira circellaris (Hufnagel, 1766)

Common

Similar species: If care is taken this moth is unlikely to be mistaken for any other British or Irish species.

Forewing: 14 to 19mm

Habitats: Deciduous woodland, poplar plantations, parkland, scrub and gardens.

Habits: The moth visits over-ripe blackberries, Ivy blossom and Heather flowers. It is attracted to sugar and light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds at first on the flowers and seeds and then the leaves of Wych Elm, Ash, Aspen and other poplars, sallows and Midland Hawthorn. The full-fed larva constructs a soil-covered cocoon under the earth or wrapped in moss, where it rests until it pupates about six weeks later.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on oaks, Beech, elms, pear, Wild Cherry, Bird Cherry and Common Osier.