Noctuidae

73.223 Oak Rustic Dryobota labecula (Esper, 1788)

Resident Channel Islands. Immigrant / Recent Colonist southern coastal counties.

Similar species: No other British or Irish species flying late in the year is likely to be mistaken for this moth.

Forewing: 12 to 15mm

Habitats: Woodlands, wooded or scrubby slopes, hedgerows and gardens.

Habits: The moth comes to light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds on Evergreen Oak. The full-fed larva forms a cocoon spun between leaves, where it rests then pupates several weeks later.

In southern Europe it feeds on the small, evergreen, scrub oak known as Kermes Oak.