Noctuidae

73.332 Purple Clay Diarsia brunnea ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)

Common

Similar species:

Forewing: 16 to 20mm

Habitats: Deciduous woodland, wooded heathland and moorland.

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

Foodplant: The young nocturnal larva feeds on Foxglove, figworts and many other herbaceous plants. In the spring the larger larva feeds on woody species such as birches, Blackthorn, sallows, Bramble, Bilberry and Heather. It hides in the leaf litter or loose soil during the day. It pupates just under the soil surface.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on Sheep's Sorrel and grasses.