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Sprawler
Asteroscopus sphinx (Hufnagel, 1766)
Noctuidae: Psaphidinae
2227 / 73.065
Photo © James Lowen,  Groton Wood, Suffolk 22.11.19

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Similar Species: None
Forewing: 17-22mm.
Flight: One generation Oct-Dec.
Foodplant:   Broadleaved trees.
Red List: Vulnerable (VU)
GB Status: Common
Verification Grade:  Adult: 1
Status
Morley's Final Catalogue: Scarce, though males come copiously to light in one or two densely-timbered districts. Bentley, Ipswich; Lowestoft, Beccles; Bury and Tuddenham (ante 1890). Ipswich at light in 1895-8 (Baylis, Pyett, Platten); Bungay on 31 October 1900 (Mn); Waldringfield in 1923 (T. N. Waller); Bury in 1931 (Mr); Sotterley in 1935 (Btn); numerous in mid-November 1933 at Sibton (Trans. ii, 291).

Recent Suffolk Status: Common. Some evidence of a slight increase in recent years, turning up at well-recorded sites for the first time.

Life history: Single-brooded. Larvae have been found in late spring in woodland habitat feeding on various trees. They characteristically throw their heads back when disturbed which why they have that vernacular name.

Identification: Unmistakeable.

Habitat: Mainly woodland and some gardens.

Recorded in 42 (72%) of 58 10k Squares.
First Recorded in 1895.
Last Recorded in 2024.
Additional Stats

Latest 10 Records
Date#VC10kArea
30/11/2024225TM13Brantham/Holbrook
30/11/2024125TM48Beccles/Brampton
30/11/2024225TM25Wickham Market/Otley
27/11/2024125TM25Wickham Market/Otley
26/11/2024225TM46Minsmere/Leiston
25/11/2024225TM05Stowmarket/Needham Market
18/11/2024325TM05Stowmarket/Needham Market
16/11/2024125TM24Woodbridge/Martlesham
16/11/2024125TM47Blythburgh/Dunwich
16/11/2024125TM25Wickham Market/Otley
Further info: Asteroscopus sphinx
 
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