Celaena haworthii (Curtis, 1829)
Family: Noctuidae
This is a small, relatively common, well-marked, attractive moth of bogs and heaths. It freely comes to light but can be active on warm sunny days when it can be caught whilst nectaring on flowers. It flies in August and September. Caterpillars feed on cotton-grasses and various species of rush. It has declined in the UK by 80% over a 25 year period. In Northern Ireland there is no evidence of such a decline.
In brief
Species description
This diminutive moth is extremely well patterned with an obvious white kidney shaped mark which has two white veins (appearing as streaks) extending from it to the outer edge of the wing. The background colour of the forewing is usually a dark purplish brown.
Life cycle
The adult flies in August and September when eggs are laid on the chosen food-plant. It overwinters as an egg. The caterpillar burrows into the stem of cotton-grass or various rushes, changing stems when it out-grows them. Pupation takes place in a cocoon close to the ground.
Similar species
None.
How to see this species
This species is attracted to light and can be taken relatively easily on bogs and heaths. Walking these habitats on warm sunny days checking flowers for nectaring moths can also be productive if you are quick with a net!
Current status
It is widespread and fairly common in suitable habitat throughout Northern Ireland.
Why is this species a priority in Northern Ireland?
Threats/Causes of decline
It is thought to be declining in the UK as a result of many factors, including habitat change, pollution and the use of pesticides.
Conservation of this species
Current action
In Northern Ireland there are no specific actions proposed for this species.
Proposed objectives/actions
What you can do
Further information
Links
The Butterflies and Moths of Northern Ireland
The state of Britain's moths - an explanation as to how declines have been calculated
Background information on the Rothamstead Trap Surveys
UK Moths Website with an up-to-date distribution map
Literature
Skinner, B. (2009). 3rd revised and updated edition. The colour identification guide to the moths of the British Isles. Apollo Books.
Thompson, R. & Nelson, B. (2006). The Butterflies and Moths of Northern Ireland. NMNI, Belfast.
Waring, P. & Townsend, M. (2009). 2nd edition. Field Guide to the Moths of Great Britain and Ireland. British Wildlife.
Text written by:
Allen & Mellon
iNaturalist: Species account : iNaturalist World Species Observations database