Noctuidae: Noctuinae

2118 (ABH73.338) True Lover's Knot Lycophotia porphyrea, ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)

KR10113

 Photo © Barry Dickerson
True Lover's Knot
 Photo © Barry Dickerson
 pre-2000
 2000-2009
 2010-2019
 2020-onwards
Ross of Mull
Ross of Mull
 Photo © Brian Stone
Ross of Mull
Ross of Mull
 Photo © Brian Stone
Storrington, West Sussex, 30th May 2017. MV trap. Male.
Storrington, West Sussex, 30th May 2017. MV trap. Male.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Storrington, West Sussex, 30th May 2017. MV trap. Male.
Storrington, West Sussex, 30th May 2017. MV trap. Male.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies


General Information

Pupates in loose soil.

Overwinters as Overwinters as a larva.
Both sexes readily come to light, sometimes in numbers.
Flies during the day

Forewing length: 12-15mm.
Foodplant(s): Heather (Calluna vulgaris), Bell Heather (Erica cinerea)
Flying: One generation, June-August
UK Presence: Resident
National status: Common

Habitat

Moorland and heathland.

Regional Information

Recorded in 7 (2.6%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in August 2025

Recorded date range (Adult): 11 June to 25 August

Similar Species
Carmarthenshire
Carmarthenshire
 Photo © Martin Lovell
Heath Rustic Xestia agathina
ex larva Dersingham Bog, Norfolk. Photo 24-05-2018.
ex larva Dersingham Bog, Norfolk. Photo 24-05-2018.
 Photo © Malcolm Hillier
Beautiful Yellow Underwing Anarta myrtilli


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