Photo © Tim Norriss

Saltern Ear

Amphipoea fucosa

Checklist Number
73.126 [B&F: 2358]

Verification
Record requires retention of specimen until confirmed, and may require dissection. Consult with CMR if unsure

Classification

Family:Noctuidae
Subfamily:Xyleninae
Genus:Amphipoea
Species:fucosa
Authority:(Freyer, 1830)

Local on coastal salt-marshes and sand-dunes, on the south and east coasts of England and Wales as far north as the Humber and Morecambe Bay, extending inland at low density in some areas, but distribution in northern Britain poorly known owing to confusion with Large Ear. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight locally common on the coastal salterns, with occasional records inland. Wingspan 29-35 mm. Very similar to Large Ear A. lucens, which see for details. In southern England, may be confused with Ear Moth A. oculea, however Saltern Ear is generally paler and longer-winged. Larva feeds on roots and lower stems of various grasses, over-wintering as an egg.

The abundance in each month is indicated as follows:

No records
Very occasional
Irregular
Uncommon
Off-peak, but not unusual
Off-peak, but not unusual
Main flight time
J F M A M J J A S O N D
Adult
Larval

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)

No Larval records to show.