Noctuidae

73.261 Grey Arches Polia nebulosa (Hufnagel, 1766)

Common

Similar species: Silvery Arches Polia hepatica has reddish tufts on the thorax and a reddish marking on the inner side of the kidney mark, but lacks the darts on the inner side of the outer cross-line and the large dart in the trailing corner of the forewing. There is a melanic form of Grey Arches

Forewing: 21 to 26mm

Habitats: Deciduous woodland and gardens in wooded areas.

Habits: The moth visits flowers and comes to sugar and light.

Foodplant: The polyphagous larva feeds nocturnally on Dandelion, docks, Primrose, Hazel, Downy Birch, Silver Birch, sallows, Blackthorn, Honeysuckle, Bramble and other woody and herbaceous plants. While small it hides under a leaf during the day, but when larger it hides near the ground. It pupates in a cocoon in the leaf litter or in loose soil.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on Alder, Aspen, oaks, Raspberry, Dewberry, Wild Privet and Common Nettle.