Photo © Mike Wall

Dot Moth

Melanchra persicariae

Checklist Number
73.270 [B&F: 2155]

Verification
Record will be accepted (subject to date and location checks)

Classification

Family:Noctuidae
Subfamily:Hadeninae
Genus:Melanchra
Species:persicariae
Authority:(Linnaeus, 1761)

Common in a wide range of habitats, including gardens, hedgerows and woodland throughout England, Wales and southern Scotland, a species of conservation concern under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. Widespread and common in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 38-50 mm. Larva polyphagous, feeding on herbaceous plants such as Stinging Nettle, Broad-leaved Dock and White Clover, and woody plants such as Black Currant, Ivy, Hazel and Elder, over-wintering as a pupa.