Hoplodrina blanda (Denis & Schiff., 1775)

Description: Wingspan 31-35 mm. Forewings appear smoothed scaled with a glossy appearance and varies from light to greyish brown. Stigmata similar to base colour and outlined with a pale fine line. Antemedian line not clearly defined but represented by a series of sparse black scales; postmedian line comprises a series of black dots; subterminal line pale with darker shading. Hindwings whitish grey with fine dark veining appearing darker towards the outer margin.

Key Identification Features:

• Glossy appearance of forewings
• Dotted postmedian line
• Pale hindwings with darker veining

Sets:

Flight Period: End of June to the latter part of August.

Status: This species apparently has two, disjunct populations in N. Ireland. The main population is mainly confined to the south and east along the Lagan valley to Lough Neagh, while the second is along the north coast including Rathlin Island, Antrim. The existence of old records from Fermanagh and Tyrone suggests the distribution may be wider than the records indicate.

Ecology: A summer species found in a variety of habitats including woodland, coastal heaths, dunes and occasionally mature gardens. Adults come frequently to light and also to the flowers of Common Ragwort Senecio jacobaea and Buddleia Buddleja davidii. The larvae feed from September to May on plantains Plantago spp., docks Rumex spp. and probably other low-growing plants. It overwinters as a larva.

World Distribution: Eurasiatic: Widespread throughout western Europe from Portugal to central Sweden and Finland.

Bradley & Fletcher number: 2382 Agassiz number: 73.097

Additional information:

UK Moths account

Caterpillar: