Noctuidae

73.335 Fen Square-spot Diarsia florida (Schmidt, 1859)

Local

Similar species: Small Square-spot Diarsia rubi is shorter winged, therefore on average smaller, darker in colour and double brooded. There is some debate as to whether Fen Square-spot might be a large paler form of Small Square-spot as the genitalia are similar and in the north Small Square-spot is single brooded. The two species will hybridise and are said to produce fertile offspring.

Forewing: 15 to 17mm

Habitats: Fens and acid bogs.

Habits: The moth feeds at flowers and comes to sugar. It is attracted to light, usually arriving after midnight.

Foodplant: The early stages are probably the same as Small Square-spot; a nocturnal larva feeding on herbaceous plants and hiding in the leaf litter or loose soil during the day and pupating just under the soil surface. In captivity it accepts Dandelion and docks.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on Marsh Marigold, Common Nettle, Primrose, sorrel, dead-nettles, Bilberry, Heather and Bramble.