Noctuidae

73.284 White Spot Hadena albimacula (Borkhausen, 1792)

RDB

Similar species: The rare immigrant Cameo Crypsedra gemmea is larger (16 to 20mm) with a greenish tint. It has a a couple of white dashes towards the trailing edge (rather than a large solid area of white) and has a broader edge of white along the inside of the inner central cross-line with a white crescent to the outside of it.

Forewing: 15 to 17mm

Habitats: Sea cliffs and vegetated shingle beaches.

Habits: The moth flies from just after dusk when it can be found ascending the foodplant. It nectars at flowers including Nottingham Catchfly, Wood Sage, Viper's Bugloss and Red Valerian. It also comes to light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds nocturnally on the seed-capsules and seeds of Nottingham Catchfly. When young it rests on the seed pods during the day, when larger it hides at the base of the plant. In captivity it accepts Sweet William, Carnations, White Campion, Red Campion, Bladder Campion and Sea Campion. It pupates just under the soil surface

In southern Europe it has also been recorded feeding on Silene paradoxa and Silene radicosa.