Apamea lithoxylaea (Denis & Schiff., 1775)

Description: Wingspan 44-50 mm. Forewings are ochreous white, slightly darker towards the terminal border. Stigmata are not clearly defined. The postmedian line is reduced to a series of small black dots. Hindwings are white, suffused ochreous towards the outer margin with well-defined dark veins and a white fringe.

Similar Species: Reddish Light Arches A. sublustris which is smaller and has darker fore and hind wings.

Key Identification Features:

• Colour and size
• Dotted postmedian line
• Light hindwings with darker veining

Sets:

Flight Period: Late June to mid-August.

Status: Common and widespread in Armagh and Down, but apparently more localised elsewhere in Antrim, Fermanagh, Tyrone and Londonderry.

Ecology: This is a grassland species found many lowland habitats. Adults are attracted to light and flowers, but not in the same numbers as the Dark Arches A. monoglypha. The adults mainly rest by day concealed amongst ground vegetation or occasionally on walls, fence posts and tree trunks. The larvae feed during the autumn until spring. It overwinters as a larva.

World Distribution: Widespread throughout western Europe as far north as central Fennoscandia.

Bradley & Fletcher number: 2322 Agassiz number: 73.163

Additional information:

UK Moths account

Caterpillar: