Noctuidae

73.256 Broad-bordered White Underwing Anarta melanopa (Thunberg, 1791)

RDB

Similar species: The small size, grey forewing with black and rufous markings, white hindwing with broad black outer edge and its high altitude habitat distinguishes this moth from all other British and Irish species.

Forewing: 11 to 13mm

Habitats: High mountain moorland slopes, lower levels in the far north.

Habits: The moth flies in sunshine and visits flowers. It also flies under bright, cloudy skies as long as it is warm. Even five minutes of sunshine on a dark cloudy day is enough to get the moth flying. It flies low along the ground if it is windy.

Foodplant: The larva feeds nocturnally on Crowberry, Cowberry, Bearberry and Bilberry. It hides under a leaf during the day. In captivity it has been reared on sallow. It pupates in a cocoon in the leaf litter under the foodplant.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on Mountain Avens.