Noctuidae

73.329 Flame Shoulder Ochropleura plecta (Linnaeus, 1761)

Common

Similar species: Radford's Flame Shoulder Ochropleura leucogaster is a browner moth with a longer, narrower forewing and the black streak extends well past the kidney mark.

Forewing: 13 to 15mm

Habitats: Most habitats other than high altitude sites such as mountain tops. Woodland, hedgerows, marshland, moorland, grasslands, downland, sea-cliffs, sand-dunes, arable land and gardens.

Habits: The moth feeds at flowers after dark. It is attracted to sugar and light.

Foodplant: The nocturnal larva feeds on Groundsel, Dandelion, bedstraws, Ribwort Plantain, other plantains, docks, Knotgrass and other herbaceous plants. It pupates just under the soil surface.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on Common Ragwort and Broad-leaved Dock.