Noctuidae

73.328 Flame Axylia putris (Linnaeus, 1761)

Common

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

Forewing: 14 to 16mm

Habitats: A wide range of habitats including woodland margins, parkland, scrub, hedgerows, heathland, marshes, arable land, wasteland and gardens.

Habits: The moth visits flowers and is attracted to sugar and light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds on docks, Dandelion, Common Nettle, White Dead-nettle, Knotgrass, Hedge Bedstraw, other bedstraws, Hound's-tongue, plantains and other herbaceous plants. It pupates in a cocoon under the soil.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on Chickweed, oraches, Water Pepper and Traveller's Joy.