Noctuidae

73.216 Dun-bar Cosmia trapezina (Linnaeus, 1758)

Common

Similar species: This moth is unlikely to be mistaken for any other British or Irish species. There are both grey and black forms.

Forewing: 13 to 16mm

Habitats: Deciduous woodland, parkland, scrub, hedgerows, wooded heathland and marshes and gardens.

Habits: The moth nectars at Common Ragwort and Hemp-agrimony and visits honeydew and sugar. It also comes to light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds on Pedunculate Oak, elms, birches, willows, Aspen, Field Maple, Hazel, Blackthorn, Hawthorn, Wild Service-tree and other deciduous trees and shrubs. Larger larvae will also eat other moth larvae and aphids. It pupates in the leaf litter.

On the European mainland it has been recorded feeding on Wild Cherry, Bird Cherry, Sweet Chestnut, limes, Small-leaved Elm and Wych Elm.