Noctuidae: Hadeninae

2147 (ABH73.273) Shears Hada plebeja (=nana), (Linnaeus, 1761)

KR09925

Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
 pre-2000
 2000-2009
 2010-2019
 2020-onwards
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Ross of Mull
Ross of Mull
 Photo © Brian Stone
Hemingford Grey, 29th June 2013
Hemingford Grey, 29th June 2013
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Hemingford Grey 20th May 2014. MV trap.
Hemingford Grey 20th May 2014. MV trap.
 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
Exmoor, North Somerset. 20-05-2023. Light trap
Exmoor, North Somerset. 20-05-2023. Light trap
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Exmoor, North Somerset. 21-05-2023. Light trap
Exmoor, North Somerset. 21-05-2023. Light trap
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies


General Information

The open scissors or shears shape marking on the forewing is diagnostic.

 

Pupates in a cocoon on the ground in leaf litter.

Overwinters as Overwinters as a pupa.
Both sexes readily come to light, sometimes in numbers.
Often found at rest during day

Forewing length: 14-17mm.
Foodplant(s): Smooth Hawk's-beard (Crepis capillaris), Mouse-ear-hawkweed (Pilosella officinarum), Lucerne (Medicago sativa), herbaceous plants
Flying: One/two generations, late May-early July and August
UK Presence: Resident
National status: Common

Habitat

Open heaths, downland, sand dunes and woodland.

Regional Information

Recorded in 25 (9.3%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in June 2024

Recorded date range (Adult): 09 May to 03 September

Similar Species
Great Staughton
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Early Grey Xylocampa areola
Great Staughton
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Brindled Green Dryobotodes eremita


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