Noctuidae

73.275 White Colon Sideridis turbida (Esper, 1790)

Notable B

Similar species: Nutmeg Anarta trifolii is on average smaller (14 to 18mm), has a straighter leading edge to the forewing and has a "W" in the outer cross-line. Cabbage Moth Mamestra brassicae is usually darker, has rufous colouring along the trailing edge of the forewing and has much of the outer edge of the kidney mark highlighted in white rather than just the outer corners.

Forewing: 17 to 20mm

Habitats: Coastal vegetated shingle, vegetated sand-dunes and marshes. Inland heathland and brecks.

Habits: The moth occasionally flies in the day. It visits the flowers of grasses and Viper's Bugloss and comes to sugar and light.

Foodplant: The nocturnal larva feeds on the foliage and flowers of Sea Sandwort, Sea Spurrey, Sea Rocket, Sea Bindweed, Flixweed, Common Restharrow, Dandelion, Ribwort Plantain, docks, goosefoots, chickweeds and other herbaceous plants. In captivity it accepts oraches, Knotgrass and goosefoots. It hides in the sand during the day and also pupates in a cocoon underground.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on Wormwood, Fastigiate Gypsophila and a spurge sp.