73.206 BF2240

Blair's Shoulder-knot Lithophane leautieri

(Boisduval, 1829

Wingspan 39-44 mm.

A recent colonist, being first discovered on the Isle of Wight in 1951, the species has spread rapidly northwards and is now found fairly commonly throughout much of England, with records from as far north as Cumbria.

It flies in October and November, and occupies especially suburban habitats, where ornamental varieties of certain conifers abound.

The larvae feed on cypress, especially Lawson's cypress (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana), and Leyland cypress (Cupressocyparis leylandii), consuming mainly the flowers.