Noctuidae

73.286 Tawny Shears Hadena perplexa perplexa ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)

Common

Pod Lover Hadena perplexa capsophila (Duponchel, 1842)

Local (Protected on Isle of Man)

Similar species: Highly variable in the amount of visible markings and depth of colour with some specimens having a white wing with black outlines for markings, while Pod Lover is the darkest with a dark grey forewing with lighter grey markings.

Forewing: 13 to 15mm

Habitats: Sand-dunes, vegetated shingle, rocky undercliff and inland on dry calcareous grassland and field margins.

Habits: The moth nectars at campions, Red Valerian and Wood Sage. It also comes to light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds on the ripening seeds of Sea Campion, Bladder Campion, White Campion, Nottingham Catchfly and Rock Sea-spurrey. It pupates in a cocoon under the soil.

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