Noctuidae

73.287 Viper's Bugloss Hadena irregularis (Hufnagel, 1766)

Extinct

Similar species: This moth is unlikely to be mistaken for any other British species.

Forewing: 14 to 15mm

Habitats: Calcareous breckland, road verges, wasteground, open grassland and woodland edge. Last recorded in Britain in 1969.

Habits: The moth flies from dusk, nectars at flowers and comes to light.

Foodplant: The small larva feeds on the ripening seed-capsules of Spanish Catchfly. When larger the nocturnal larva feeds externally and rests near the ground during the day. It pupates in a cocoon just below the soil surface.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on Alpine Gypsophila, Fastigiate Gypsophila and Larkspur.