Noctuidae

73.257 Beautiful Yellow Underwing Anarta myrtilli (Linnaeus, 1761)

Common

Similar species: True-lovers Knot Lycophotia porphyrea is superficially similar and sometimes flies during the day, but is larger (12 to 15mm) with a grey-brown hindwing.

Forewing: 10 to 12mm

Habitats: Heathland and moorland, including mountain moorland.

Habits: The moth flies in sunshine and visits flowers to feed. The moth occasionally comes to light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds diurnally on the terminal shoots of Heather and Bell Heather. It pupates in a tough cocoon just under the soil.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on Cross-leaved Heath.