74.004 BF2078 - Least Black Arches - Nolidae - Nola confusalis

74.004 BF2078 - Nolidae - Nolinnae - Nola confusalis - Least Black Arches

Adult Macro: CAT 1 - Distinctive species unlikely to be confused with others -

- click for Adult Macro Verification Guidelines

- Rare / Uncommon / Scarce

Taxonomy: Macro >> Nolidae

ID Difficulty: green

- easy to identify, generally distinctive and unlikely to be confused with other species.

ID pointers: This moth has narrow and rather pointed forewings with the ground colour being whitish. Cross-marked with intricate black and brown wavy lines and arch shapes, which is where the moth gets its name.

Distribution: (First record: 1866 at Repton Shrubs ) - (Last record: 09/05/2024 at Ilkeston ) - In 1986 it was described as extinct in the county. It was rediscovered in 1988 near Ilkeston, and seems to have re-colonised in the south of the county, being very localised at some of the ancient woodlands in the Trent valley area. In the subsequent years to 2018, the increase in different locations has been significant, yet it remains scarce and only recorded in small numbers, mainly from garden light traps.

Flight Period: May / June / - On the wing May – June.

Moth Activity: Nocturnal - and is attracted to light

Wingspan: 16-18mm
Forewing: 9-11mm

Food Plant: Lime (Tilia spp.), EvergreenOak (Quercus ilex).

Last Recorded Date: 09/05/2024

Last Recorded By: Brian Hobby

Last Recorded General Area: Ilkeston

First Recorded Year: 1866

Least Black Arches – Foremark, South Derbyshire – Tony Davison