Maps updated: April 2008

Euxoa cursoria (Hufnagel, 1766)

Description: Wingspan 34-38mm. A variable species; the colour of the forewings ranges from ochreous to greyish brown. The reniform stigmata are generally paler than the rest of the wings with a distinct white outline. Hindwings whitish brown.

Key Identification Features:

• Reniform stigma with prominent white outline
• Whitish brown hindwings
• Habitat

Sets:

Flight Period: There is insufficient data to give a reliable flight period. Skinner gives late July and August as the normal flight period in Britain.

Status: Rare, with no reliable records since 1992. It was last recorded in a mature garden at Helen's Bay, Down. The lack of any further records from this well-trapped locality suggests that this was an immigrant individual. There are old records from the Newcastle, Down in 1895, and Magilligan, Londonderry around 1875. A coastal species, also recorded from counties Kerry, Clare, Sligo, and Donegal.

Ecology: Since 1992 the moth has not been found in areas that appear suitable. Lack of knowledge of its habits and preferences may well have some bearing on its apparent scarcity. The adults are attracted to light and flowers such as Ragwort Senecio jacobaea and Marram Ammophila arenaria. The larvae are nocturnal and feed in spring and early summer on Sea Sandwort Honkenya peploides and some other coastal plants. It overwinters as an egg.

World Distribution: Northern Eurasiatic.

Caterpillar: