Photo © Keith Tailby

Portland Moth

Actebia praecox

Checklist Number
73.308 [B&F: 2099]

Verification
Record will require further evidence, at least a good photograph, unless CMR is aware recorder has confidence in identification

Classification

Family:Noctuidae
Subfamily:Noctuinae
Genus:Actebia
Species:praecox
Authority:(Linnaeus, 1758)

Nationally scarce (Nb) on sandy beaches, on the coasts of England and Ireland. In Hampshire this moth has been sought without success in its old haunt around Hengistbury Head, but has not been reported since 1929, when nine specimens and one larva were found there. Not recorded from the Isle of Wight to date. Wingspan 40-46 mm. Fairly distinctive. Larva feeds on herbaceous plants such as Creeping Willow, Wormwood, Common Bird's-foot Trefoil and Tree Lupin.

VC11 South Hampshire

Site Date Quantity Recorder Stage
Hengistbury Head (SZ19)1929nineAdult