Noctuidae

73.203 Conformist Lithophane furcifera furcifera (Hufnagel, 1766)

Immigrant

ssp. suffusa (Tutt) (pictured above)

Extinct Wales

Similar species: The immigrant subspecies furcifera is a paler colour than the extinct British subspecies and is similar to Nonconformist Lithophane lamda which has a longer central black bar running parallel with the trailing edge of the forewing and a larger inner pointing projection on the outer cross-line. Softly's Shoulder-knot Lithophane consocia should have the genitalia checked to separate it from the paler immigrant Conformist subspecies furcifera.

Forewing: 17 to 20mm

Habitats: In northern Europe it inhabits damp deciduous woodland, wooded stream and river valleys.

Habits: The moth feeds on over-ripe blackberries and Ivy blossom and in the spring on sallow catkins. It also comes to sugar and light.

Foodplant: The early stages have not been recorded in Britain. In northern Europe it feeds on Alder, Grey Alder or sometimes oaks, birches, sallows or poplar.