Noctuidae

73.218 Heart Moth Dicycla oo (Linnaeus, 1758)

RDB

Similar species: This moth is unlikely to be mistaken for any other British or Irish species.

Forewing: 15 to 17mm

Habitats: Open, widely spaced woodland and parkland. Mature oaks in hedgerows and within fields.

Habits: The moth will visit sugar well before dark. It comes to light mainly after midnight.

Foodplant: The larva feeds on tightly-spun young leaves of mature or old trees of Pedunculate Oak. It pupates in a cocoon just under the soil surface.

On the European mainland it also feeds on Downy Oak.