Mouse Moth (Amphipyra tragopoginis, (Clerck, 1759))

General Information
This is a rather plain-looking moth with three dark dots on the forewing. The vernacular name probably comes from the moth's reluctance to fly when disturbed, instead preferring to scurry around like a mouse.

Pupates on the ground or in loose soil.
Overwinters as Overwinters as an egg.
Both sexes come to light.
Often found at rest during day

Forewing length: 16-18mm.
Foodplant(s): Salad Burnet (Sanguisorba minor), teasels (Dipsacus spp.), Mugwort (Artemesia vulgaris), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Californian Poppy (Eschscholzia californica), sallows (Salix spp.), hawthorns (Crataegus spp.), herbaceous plants
Flying: One generation, July-September
UK Presence: Resident
National status: Common

Habitat

Heathland, scrub, gardens, fens and woodland.

Regional Information

Recorded in 132 (48.9%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in October 2023

Recorded date range (Adult): 11 June to 08 October

Recorded date range (Larva/Leafmine): 27 May to 22 June

2299 (ABH73.064) Mouse Moth Amphipyra tragopoginis, (Clerck, 1759)

KR09311