Nolidae

74.007 Scarce Silver-lines Bena bicolorana (Fuessly, 1775)

Local

Similar species: Green Silver-lines Pseudoips prasinana britannica can easily be separated by the straight leading edge and outer edge to the pointed forewing and the three broader white cross-lines.

Forewing: 19 to 23mm

Habitats: Deciduous woodland and parkland.

Habits: The moth comes sparingly to light and sugar.

Foodplant: The larva feeds in the buds and then on the leaves of Pedunculate Oak, possibly other oaks, Downy Birch, Silver Birch or Alder. It pupates in a tough, boat-shaped cocoon on the underside of a leaf.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on Beech.