Black Snout

Plathypena scabra

Checklist Number
72.0071 [B&F: 2481]

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

Classification

Family:Erebidae
Subfamily:Hypeninae
Genus:Plathypena
Species:scabra
Authority:(Fabricius, 1798)

Recorded once through accidental importation in produce from North America. A male of this common North American species found at Lee, Kent, in August 1956 probably originated from the London docks three miles distant. Not recorded in Hampshire or on the Isle of Wight to date. Wingspan 30-40 mm. Larva feeds on Clover, Lucerne, various legumes, Strawberry and Raspberry, causing sufficient damage to be a serious pest in some areas, no evidence of breeding in the UK.