Noctuidae: Hadeninae

2163 (ABH73.271) Broom Moth Ceramica pisi (=Melanchra), (Linnaeus, 1758)

KR09985

 Photo © Barry Dickerson
Broom Moth
 Photo © Barry Dickerson
 pre-2000
 2000-2009
 2010-2019
 2020-onwards
Ross of Mull
Ross of Mull
 Photo © Brian Stone
Exmoor, North Somerset. 20-05-2023. Light trap
Exmoor, North Somerset. 20-05-2023. Light trap
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Berwyn Mountains, Powys, mid-Wales, 19th Sept 2015. 5th instar.
Berwyn Mountains, Powys, mid-Wales, 19th Sept 2015. 5th instar.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Berwyn Mountains, Powys, mid-Wales, 19th Sept 2015. 5th instar.
Berwyn Mountains, Powys, mid-Wales, 19th Sept 2015. 5th instar.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Berwyn Mountains, Powys, mid-Wales, ex larva collected 19th Sept 2015. Male.
Berwyn Mountains, Powys, mid-Wales, ex larva collected 19th Sept 2015. Male.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Berwyn Mountains, Powys, mid-Wales, ex larva collected 19th Sept 2015. Male.
Berwyn Mountains, Powys, mid-Wales, ex larva collected 19th Sept 2015. Male.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies


General Information

This is a very variable species, with the ground colour varying between greyish brown to a dark chestnut colour.

 

Pupates in loose soil.

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

Forewing length: 16-20mm.
Foodplant(s): Heather (Calluna vulgaris), Bracken (Pteridium aquilinum), Broom (Cytisus scoparius), Bramble (Rubus fruticosus), sallows (Salix spp.), Sea-buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides), broadleaved shrubs
Flying: One generation, late May-July
UK Presence: Resident
National status: Common

Habitat

Open habitats including heathland, grassland and scrub.

Regional Information

Recorded in 19 (7%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in June 2014

Recorded date range (Adult): 18 May to 03 August

Recorded date range (Larva/Leafmine): 28 July to 28 July



Larva/Leafmine:
Larva Type:
Smooth
Colours:
Green, brown, white, yellow
No. of Proleg Pairs:
5