63.035 BF1393

Udea uliginosalis

(Stephens, 1834)

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Wingspan c. 25-30mm.

This rather local species is restricted in distribution to the uplands or mountains of Scotland, and in some Scottish islands such as Orkney and Rhum.

It frequents grassy habitats where the relatively nondescript adult moths can be found in July.

Little is known about the life history, and much of the available literature suggests ragwort (Senecio) spp. as a foodplant, which appears to be incorrect.

Studies by R.J. Heckford in 2009, where moths were reared in captivity from ova, suggested that the larvae are polyphagous on low plants and/or grasses. Typically, in Scotland, the species occurs in regions and habitats where no ragwort is present.