Noctuidae

73.276 Campion Sideridis rivularis (Fabricius, 1775)

Common

Similar species: Lychnis Hadena bicruris lacks the purple sheen on the central crosslines, the oval and kidney mark are not touching and the outer line curves to the trailing edge rather than zig-zags.

Forewing: 14 to 16mm

Habitats: Open grassland, damp meadows, moorland, open woodland rides, road verges, wasteground and sea-cliffs.

Habits: The moth nectars at flowers and comes sparingly to light.

Foodplant: The small larva feeds in the seed-capsules of White Campion, Red Campion, Bladder Campion, Sea Campion and Ragged-robin. When larger the nocturnal larva feeds externally and rests near the ground during the day. It pupates in a flimsy cocoon just under the soil surface.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on Soapwort.