Noctuidae

73.253 Feathered Gothic Tholera decimalis (Poda, 1761)

Common

Similar species: Bordered Gothic Heliophobus reticulata flies earlier; from May to August peaking in early June. It has a narrower forewing with a rounded leading edge, prominent pale cross-lines and a paler area outside the outer cross-line. Males do not have feathered antennae.

Forewing: 16 to 22mm

Habitats: Downland, woodland clearings and margins, parkland and other sites with rough grassland.

Habits: The moth comes to light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds nocturnally on the leaves of Sheep's-fescue, Mat-grass, meadow-grasses and other grasses. When larger it feeds on the stem bases near the root. The larva pupates in an earthen cell under the soil.