Noctuidae

73.260 Silvery Arches Polia hepatica (Clerck 1759)

Notable B

Similar species: Grey Arches Polia nebulosa has darts on the inner side of the outer cross-line, a large dart in the trailing corner of the forewing and lacks the reddish tufts on the thorax and the reddish markings on the inner side of the kidney mark and trailing corner of the forewing.

Forewing: 21 to 25mm

Habitats: Scrub woodland along river valleys and on moorland and heathland. Also acid to neutral open woodland.

Habits: The moth is attracted to sugar, but sparingly to light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds on Downy Birch, Silver Birch and sallows, then after overwintering it feeds on Bog Myrtle and sometimes Hazel, Hawthorn and Honeysuckle. In captivity it also accepts herbaceous plants. It pupates in the soil.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on limes, Ash, oaks, cherries, Bilberry and Heather.