SCIENTIFIC NAME: LYGEPHILA PASTINUM
VERNACULAR NAME: BLACKNECK

Fig 1
ADULT Wingspan 35-42mm. This moth could be easily disregarded as a grey and black critter with no real colour. Do not be misled - this is a stunning moth with ash-grey forewings covered in tiny deep brown scratches and two prominent almost blackish kidney marks with one or two smaller dark brown flecks beside it. The upper head and collar are distinctive and once again are dark brown.
CHRYSALIS Pupates in cocoon just below ground.
LARVA Overwinters in this stage and feeds on Tufted Vetch.
BEHAVIOUR Attracted to light and easily disturbed by day.
HABITAT Woodlands and marshland.
FLIGHT PERIOD June to August.
STATUS Resident.  More common in the southern half of Britain.

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