73.218 BF2315

Heart Moth Dicycla oo

(Linnaeus, 1758)

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Wingspan 32-38 mm.

A very local species, inhabiting woodland and parkland in and around the Home Counties.

The Latin name is derived from the two roundish stigmata, but the outer one usually is heart-shaped, in common with the English name.

The single generation flies in June and July, when it can be attracted to sugar as well as light.

The larva feeds during the night on oak (Quercus robur), and retreats by day into a hiding place made from leaves spun together with silk.