Noctuidae

73.267 Bright-line Brown-eye Lacanobia oleracea (Linnaeus, 1758)

Common

Similar species: There is a dull brown form of Dog's Tooth Lacanobia suasa that is superficially similar. It lacks the bright orange in the kidney mark.

Forewing: 14 to 19mm

Habitats: Occurs in most habitats, but especially the edge of saltmarsh, heathland, allotments, gardens and even glasshouses where it can be a pest.

Habits: The moth comes to sugar and light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds nocturnally on goosefoots, Fat-hen, Common Orache, docks, willowherbs, St John's-worts, Dandelion, Knotgrass, plantains, Common Nettle, Tomato, Traveller's-joy, Black Bindweed, Hop, Tamarisk, Hazel, English Elm, Reed Sweet-grass and other woody and herbaceous plants. It rests under the foodplant during the day. Pupation takes place in a cocoon under the soil.