Noctuidae

73.281 Lychnis Hadena bicruris (Hufnagel, 1766)

Common

Similar species: Campion Sideridis rivularis has a purple sheen on the central crosslines, the oval and kidney mark are touching and the outer line zig-zags to the trailing edge rather than curves.

Forewing: 14 to 17mm

Habitats: Coastal sand-dunes, vegetated shingle, open woodland, hedgerows, field margins, road verges and gardens.

Habits: The moth visits flowers and comes to light.

Foodplant: The small larva feeds in the seed-capsules of Red Campion, White Campion, Sea Campion, other campions and Sweet William. When larger the nocturnal larva feeds externally and rests near the ground during the day. It pupates in a cocoon under the soil.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on pinks, Soapwort and Lychnis.