Noctuidae: Xyleninae

2387 (ABH73.092) Mottled Rustic Caradrina morpheus, (Hufnagel, 1766)

KR09417

Great Staughton
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
 pre-2000
 2000-2009
 2010-2019
 2020-onwards
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Hemingford Grey, 9th May 2020. Light trap.
Hemingford Grey, 9th May 2020. Light trap.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies


General Information

This species always shows a distinctly large and dark reniform stigma and is fairly broad winged.

 

Pupates in loose soil.

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

Forewing length: 13-16mm.
Foodplant(s): Common Nettle (Urtica dioica), docks (Rumex spp.), goosefoots (Chenopodium spp.), teasels (Dipsacus spp.), Hedge Bedstraw (Galium mollugo), Common Hop (Humulus lupulus), Goat Willow (Salix caprea), herbaceous plants
Flying: One generation, June-mid August
UK Presence: Resident
National status: Common

Habitat

Farmland, gardens, grassland, heathland scrub and woodland.

Regional Information

Recorded in 143 (53%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in July 2023

Recorded date range (Adult): 04 May to 17 October

Recorded date range (Larva/Leafmine): 05 July to 12 July

Similar Species
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Uncertain Hoplodrina octogenaria (=alsines)
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Rustic Hoplodrina blanda


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