Noctuidae

73.255 Nutmeg Anarta trifolii (Hufnagel, 1766)

Common

Similar species: White Colon is on average larger (17 to 20mm), has a more rounded leading edge to the forewing and lacks the "W" in the outer cross-line

Forewing: 14 to 18mm

Habitats: Sand-dunes and sandy beaches, wasteground, disturbed areas in woodland rides, marshes, fens and river margins, allotments and gardens.

Habits: The moth nectars at flowers and comes to sugar and light. It is easily found soon after dark flying over areas of goosefoots and Common Orache.

Foodplant: The larva feeds nocturnally on goosefoots, Common Orache, docks, Dandelion, Field Bindweed and other herbaceous plants. It has also been recorded feeding on onions and conifer seedlings. It pupates under the soil or sand in a fragile cocoon.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on sow-thistles, clovers, medicks, Wild Parsley, beet, saltworts, purslane, Wormwood, Asparagus, Broom, elm, poplars and sallows, as well as Rhubarb, Tobacco, Tomato and Rosemallow.