Main: (Noctuidae / Xyleninae)
73.088 [B&F: 2386c] Dark Mottled Willow (Spodoptera cilium) Guenée, 1852

Rare immigrant from grassland in southern Europe, appearing on the south coast of England, first recorded on the Lizard, Cornwall on 29 September 1990, with another at Portland two days later, and seven in October 1995; in total nine of the 14 British records up to 2008 have occurred on the Isles of Scilly, mainly in October. Not recorded in Hampshire or on the Isle of Wight to date. Wingspan 28-34 mm. Main confusion species is the more common migrant Small Mottled Willow S. exigua, but reniform stigma darker, orbicular stigma comma-shaped, and holds its wings less tightly rolled around body. Larva feeds on various grasses; no evidence of breeding in the UK.

Flightime guide

Stage

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Adult

Larval