Broom Moth Noctuidae

Ceramica pisi (Linnaeus, 1758)

Description: Wingspan 33-42mm. Adults can vary in colour. Forewings are generally reddish brown. The stigmata are not clearly defined. The subterminal line is wavy, usually quite distinct and pale yellowish white in colour. Hindwings are pale whitish brown with darker veining and a small discal lunule.

Key Identification Features:

Sets:  male upperside

Flight Period: From early May to the beginning of August.

Status: Common and widespread throughout all counties including Rathlin Island.

Ecology: Found in a variety of habitats including open woodland, bogs, heaths and suburban gardens. Adults come frequently to light and also visit flowers and honey-dew after dark. The larvae feed throughout July to September on a variety of trees and shrubs including Broom Cytisus scoparius, Bracken Pteridium aquilinum, birch Betula spp., and elm Ulmus spp. It overwinters as a pupa.

World Distribution: Throughout Europe to the Arctic Circle.

Bradley & Fletcher number: 2163 Agassiz number: 73.271

Additional information:

UK Moths account

Caterpillar: 

 Thompson, R. S. & Nelson, B., 2003 (Oct 2). [In] The Butterflies and Moths of Northern Ireland
http://www.ulstermuseum.org.uk/lepidoptera/species.asp?item=6254

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