Noctuidae

73.264 Pale-shouldered Brocade Lacanobia thalassina (Hufnagel, 1766)

Common

Similar species: Light Brocade Lacanobia w-latinum has a paler basal area to the forewing and a paler outer band. Dog's Tooth Lacanobia suasa has a distinct dark tooth in the central area of the forewing and there is a smooth curve from the trailing corner to the "W" in the outer cross-line which merges into the fringe.

Forewing: 16 to 20mm

Habitats: Deciduous woodland, parkland, scrub, moorland, marshes, fens and rural gardens.

Habits: The moth visits flowers and is atracted to sugar and light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds nocturnally on oaks, sallows, birches, Aspen, apples, Hawthorn, Blackthorn, Barberry, Broom, Honeysuckle and other deciduous trees and shrubs. It pupates in a cocoon under the soil.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on Grey Alder and Raspberry.