Noctuidae

73.283 Marbled Coronet Hadena confusa (Hufnagel, 1766)

Local

Similar species: Coronet Craniophora ligustri is larger (17 to 19mm), but superficially similar until the moths are seen side by side.

Forewing: 14 to 16mm

Habitats: Sea cliffs, coastal downland, open calcareous grassland inland and occasionally gardens.

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

Foodplant: The small larva feeds in the seed-capsules of Sea Campion, Bladder Campion, Rock Sea-spurrey and other similar wild and cultivated plants. 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 White Campion, Nottingham Catchfly, Ragged Robin and pinks.