Cerapteryx graminis (Linnaeus, 1758)

Description: Wingspan 27-32 mm. Males are smaller than females. The forewings are normally reddish brown, but there is much individual variation. There are pale-coloured basal streaks which extend over a considerable part of the wing. The stigmata are pale and conspicuous. The outer fringe is much paler than the base colour of forewing. Hindwings are greyish brown, with an occasional discal spot.

Key Identification Features:

• Pale-coloured streaks on forewings
• White fringe
• Small discal spot on hindwing

Sets:

Flight Period: Mid-July to the beginning of September.

Status: Widely distributed in well-scattered localities throughout all counties, including Rathlin Island, Antrim.

Ecology: A grassland species which can be found in other habitats including open woodland, coastal heaths and dunes. Adults come frequently to light and will also visit flowers, especially Ragwort Senecio jacobaea and adults can be found on the flower heads early in the morning. The larvae are nocturnal, feeding from March to June on Mat-grass Nardus stricta and other grass species that are found on heaths and dunes. It overwinters as an egg.

World Distribution: Widespread in Europe to the Arctic.

Bradley & Fletcher number: 2176 Agassiz number: 73.254

Additional information:

UK Moths account

Caterpillar: