Morley’s Final Catalogue: Very broadly distributed. Felixstow and one in Belstead Wood during July 1901 (Pyett); Hemley in 1902 and commonly at Waldringfield in 1906 (Wir); Aldeburgh and Southwold (Ctw); Lowestoft (Bd). Fairly common near Timworth in 1911 (Nurse); particularly plentiful on the Breck sands at Brandon in July 1926 (Mly), Thetford, Tuddenham, Worlington and Freckenham in 1930-33 (Bp.), Cavenham 1936 (Gd).
Recent Status: A common, sometimes abundant moth across Suffolk.
Life Style: A single brooded summer flying species that flies at dusk and night and comes to light. The larvae feed in the rootstock of Plantago lanceolata where they hibernate before pupating during spring.
Identification: A distinctive species with the forewing colour grey, cream to light reddish brown. Marking are of a darker colour to the wing. There are diffuse and broad pre and post median lines and a pre terminal band. The median band can sometimes be darkened. Recorded in 52 (90%) of 58 10k Squares. First Recorded in 1901. Last Recorded in 2023. |