Noctuidae

73.338 True Lover's Knot Lycophotia porphyrea ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)

Common

Similar species: Beautiful Yellow Underwing Anarta myrtilli is superficially similar, but is smaller (10 to 12mm) and has a yellow hindwing with a broad black margin rather than a grey-brown hindwing.

Forewing: 12 to 15mm

Habitats: Moorland including mountain moorland, heathland and occasionally gardens.

Habits: The moth nectars at Heather flowers in spells of hot sunshine, as well as after dark when it is also attracted to light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds on Heather, Bell Heather and sometimes Bilberry. It pupates in the leaf litter or just below the soil surface.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on Cross-leaved Heath.