Scientific name: Heliothis maritima
Late June to July.
Flies by day in sunshine and comes to light.
Size and Family
- Family – Clovers, Straws and allies (Heliothines)
- Small Sized
- Wing Span Range (male to female) - 30-36mm
- UK BAP: Priority Species
- Red Data Book
The larva feeds from late July to early September. Reported to be more easily found after dark, but can be swept from vegetation by day.
Particular Caterpillar Food Plants
Flowers of Cross-leaved Heath (Erica tetralix), but also said to feed on Heather (Calluna vulgaris) and Bog Asphodel (Narthecium ossifragum)
- Countries – England
- Surrey, Hampshire, Dorset and formerly west Cornwall. Also reported from Devon with a single, presumed immigrant, in Kent.
- Distribution Trend Since 1970’s = Britain: Declining
Large tracts of heathland where Cross-leaved heath is abundant. Usually found in areas of fairly young vegetation succession, for example following previous burns.