Craniophora ligustri (Denis & Schiff., 1775)

Description: Wingspan 35-43 mm. Forewings dark greyish brown with black antemedian line and indistinct post median line. The subterminal line is black, but it is masked by white marks near the apex of the forewing. Stigmata slightly paler than ground colour and edged with white. Hindwings pale whitish brown with darker veining.

Key Identification Features:

• Location and flight period
• White marks near the apex of forewing
• Lighter hindwings.

Sets:

Flight Period: This species has only been recorded during July in N. Ireland.

Status: Rare and currently only known from Crom Estate Fermanagh in 2000. There is an old 19th century record from Glenarm, Antrim. Elsewhere in Ireland confined to the Burren in Clare and Galway.

Ecology: A woodland species. Adults appear sparingly at light and will rest by day on tree trunks and fence posts. The larvae feed during August and September on Ash Fraxinus excelsior and Wild Privet Ligustrum vulgare. It overwinters as a pupa.

World Distribution: Local throughout western Europe, from Spain to southern Scandinavia and Finland.

Bradley & Fletcher number: 2291 Agassiz number: 73.047

Additional information:

UK Moths account

Caterpillar: