72.063 BF2466 - The Blackneck - Erebidae - Lygephila pastinum

72.063 BF2466 - Erebidae - Toxocampinae - Lygephila pastinum - The Blackneck

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

- click for Adult Macro Verification Guidelines

- Rare / Uncommon / Scarce

Taxonomy: Macro >> Erebidae

ID Difficulty: green

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

ID pointers: A long-winged moth with pastel grey forewing and an obvious black chevron shape to the kidney mark and oval reduced to a tiny black dot. The moth gets its name from the small blackish basal area of the head and collar. There is a darker grey shading to outer cross-band. Characteristic resting posture with wings crossed-over each other.

Distribution: (First record: 1982 ) - First recorded in the county in 1982. It is a resident that is expanding its range into various sites in Derbyshire. Re-claimed and re-seeded colliery tips are providing ideal habitat, mainly because the food plant, Tufted Vetch (Vicia cracca) seems to quickly colonise these areas. Seems to be favouring the central and southern areas of our county.

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

Moth Activity: Nocturnal Crepuscular - but can be disturbed during the day

Wingspan: 37-42mm
Forewing: 18-21mm

Food Plant: Tufted Vetch (Vicia cracca).

No Last Date Information Recorded

Last Recorded By: Not Recorded

Last Recorded General Area: Not Recorded

First Recorded Year: 1982