73.059 BF2223 - Toadflax Brocade - Noctuidae - Calophasia lunula

73.059 BF2223 - Noctuidae - Oncocnemidinae - Calophasia lunula - Toadflax Brocade

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

- click for Adult Macro Verification Guidelines

- Rare / Uncommon / Scarce

Taxonomy: Macro >> Noctuidae

ID Difficulty: green

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

ID pointers: Fairly unmistakable. Has three white central marks on upper wing which is marbled with shades of brown and grey. Has banded fringes and black basal streaks.

Distribution: (First record: 07/08/2015 at Sawley, Long Eaton ) - (Last record: 22/08/2024 at Sandiacre ) - First record for the VC57 was in 2015. A recent colonist that is generally uncommon with few, but gradually increasing records, mainly from the south of the county. By 2024 the species is regularly breeding in gardens that contain Purple Toadflax, especially in the Sandiacre, Breaston and Long Eaton areas of South Derbyshire. These locations seem to be it’s current stronghold.

Flight Period: May / June / July / August / - On the wing May – June and July – August

Moth Activity: Nocturnal - is attracted to light and flowers that are rich in nectar

Wingspan: 26-32mm
Forewing: 14-15mm

Food Plant: Common & Purple Toadflax (Linaria spp.)

Last Recorded Date: 22/08/2024

Last Recorded By: Anne Butler

Last Recorded General Area: Sandiacre

First Recorded Date: 07/08/2015