Maps updated: April 2008

Aporophyla nigra (Haworth, 1809)

Description: Wingspan 40-46 mm. Adults appear to be completely black. The forewings vary from dark brown to black. The antemedian and post median lines black. The subterminal line is irregular and curves towards the costa. The distal aspect of the reniform stigmata is white appearing like a small mark in the central area of the forewing. Hindwings white with fine darker veining.

Key Identification Features:

• Black appearance
• Small white mark on forewing
• White hindwings

Sets:

Flight Period: Beginning of August to late October.

Status: Widely distributed in southern counties, especially along the coast of Down and parts of Antrim. Inland it is commonly encountered in well trapped localities in north Armagh and from a number of sites in Fermanagh. It is absent from much of north with the exception of a single record from Dunseverick Castle and Rathlin Island, Antrim and the Umbra, Londonderry.

Ecology: An autumnal species found in a variety of habitats including coastal heaths, waste ground and generally open areas. Adults come frequently to light and will also visit flowers especially those of Ragwort Senecio jacobaea, Heather Calluna vulgaris and Red Valerian Centranthus ruber. The larvae feed throughout the winter months when conditions are mild, on a variety of plants including Heather, dock Rumex spp. and plantain Plantago. It overwinters as an egg or a small larva.

World Distribution: Throughout western Europe as far north as Finland and south to Spain.

Caterpillar: