Noctuidae

73.233 Black Rustic Aporophyla nigra (Haworth, 1809)

Common

Similar species: Both forms of Deep-brown Dart Aporophyla lueneburgensis have a darker central band across the forewings and the males have feathered, rather than serrated antennae.

Forewing: 17 to 21mm

Habitats: Woodland rides, heathland, moorland, calcareous grassland, sea-cliffs, road verges, other grassy places and gardens.

Habits: The moth feeds at over-ripe blackberries and nectars at Ivy blossom and other flowers. It also comes to sugar and light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds nocturnally on docks, clovers, chickweeds, Dandelion, Tufted Hair-grass, Heather and other herbaceous plants and grasses, hiding low down in the herbage during the day. In captivity it will accept sallows, Hawthorn and Blackthorn. It pupates in the soil.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on Sea Squill, Salad Burnet, stitchworts, Prostrate Canary Clover, Common Sorrel, plantains and bedstraws.