Noctuidae

73.219 Centre-barred Sallow Atethmia centrago (Haworth, 1809)

Common

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

Forewing: 15 to 18mm

Habitats: Deciduous woodland, parkland, isolated trees in hedgerows and gardens.

Habits: The moth is attracted to sugar and light.

Foodplant: The young larva feeds in a bud or flower and then externally on the foliage of Ash. During the day it hides in crevices in the bark or at the base of the tree under moss or in grass tussocks, later returning to feed nocturnally. The full-fed larva spins a cocoon under the soil where it pupates several weeks later.