Noctuidae: Dilobinae

2020 (ABH73.033) Figure of Eight Diloba caeruleocephala, (Linnaeus, 1758)

KR09331

 Photo © Barry Dickerson
Figure of Eight
 Photo © Barry Dickerson
 pre-2000
 2000-2009
 2010-2019
 2020-onwards
 Photo © Barry Dickerson
ex larva Monks Wood NNR, May 2007. (e.m 05/10)
ex larva Monks Wood NNR, May 2007. (e.m 05/10)
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Monks Wood, Oct 2007
Monks Wood, Oct 2007
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
ex larva, Bevill's Wood, May 2003 (em. Oct).
ex larva, Bevill's Wood, May 2003 (em. Oct).
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
ex larva, Monks Wood NNR, May 2003.
ex larva, Monks Wood NNR, May 2003.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Monks Wood NNR, 8th Oct. 2006. Light trap.
Monks Wood NNR, 8th Oct. 2006. Light trap.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Monks Wood
Monks Wood
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Monks Wood
Monks Wood
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies


General Information

This moth has a diagnostic '8' marking on the forewing. The male has feathered antennae.

 

Pupates in leaf litter or in loose soil.

Overwinters as Overwinters as an egg.
Both sexes readily come to light, sometimes in numbers.

Forewing length: 15-19mm.
Foodplant(s): Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), hawthorns (Crataegus spp.), plums (Prunus spp.), cherries (Prunus spp.), Crab Apple (Malus sylvestris)
Flying: One generation, late September-mid November
UK Presence: Resident
National status: Common

Habitat

Hedgerows, woodland and gardens.

Regional Information

Recorded in 37 (13.7%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in November 2018

Recorded date range (Adult): 13 June to 25 November

Recorded date range (Larva/Leafmine): 12 May to 17 June

Similar Species
Great Staughton
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Figure of Eighty Tethea ocularis
Great Staughton, June 2011
Great Staughton, June 2011
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Poplar Lutestring Tethea or


Larva/Leafmine:
Larva Type:
Hairy
Colours:
Grey, blue, yellow, black
No. of Proleg Pairs:
5