Noctuidae

73.224 Merveille du Jour Griposia aprilina (Linnaeus, 1758)

Common

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

Forewing: 18 to 23mm

Habitats: Deciduous woodland, parkland and hedgerows.

Habits: The moth feeds at over-ripe Blackberries and Ivy blossom. It comes to sugar and light.

Foodplant: The small larva feeds in a bud or immature flowers of Pedunculate Oak, Sessile Oak or possibly Turkey Oak. When larger it feeds nocturnally on the leaves, during the day hiding in a crevice in the bark. The full-fed larva spins a tough cocoon deep underground. It then rests before pupating about four weeks later.

On the European mainland it has occasionally been recorded feeding on apple and poplar.