Noctuidae: Noctuinae

2122 (ABH73.332) Purple Clay Diarsia brunnea, ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)

KR10092

 Photo © Barry Dickerson
Purple Clay
 Photo © Barry Dickerson
 pre-2000
 2000-2009
 2010-2019
 2020-onwards
nr. Llanbedr, NW Wales. 6th July 2021. Light trap.
nr. Llanbedr, NW Wales. 6th July 2021. Light trap.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Helens Bay, Northern Ireland
Helens Bay, Northern Ireland
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies


General Information

Pupates in loose soil.

Overwinters as Overwinters as a larva.
Both sexes come to light.

Forewing length: 16-20mm.
Foodplant(s): Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea), figworts (Scrophularia spp.), Bramble (Rubus fruticosus), sallows (Salix spp.), Heather (Calluna vulgaris), birches (Betula spp.), broadleaved shrubs
Flying: One generation, June-August
UK Presence: Resident
National status: Common

Habitat

Broadleaved woodland and wooded heathland.

Regional Information

Recorded in 32 (11.9%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in August 2021

Recorded date range (Adult): 19 May to 24 August

Similar Species
 Photo © Barry Dickerson
Ingrailed Clay Diarsia mendica
Great Staughton, August 2011
Great Staughton, August 2011
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Square-spotted Clay Xestia stigmatica (=rhomboidea)


Larva/Leafmine:
Larva Type:
Smooth
Colours:
Brown, red, yellow, white, black
No. of Proleg Pairs:
5