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Alder Moth
Acronicta alni (Linnaeus, 1767)
Noctuidae: Acronictinae
2281 / 73.036

Similar Suffolk Species: None
Forewing: 16-19mm.
Flight: One generation May-June.
Foodplant:   Broadleaved trees.
Red List: Least Concern (LC)
GB Status: Common
Former Status: Local
Verification Grade:  Adult: 1

Morley's Final Catalogue: Apparently rarer than in 1890, when it had been found at Woolverstone, (not Ipswich by Bree); Glemham Magna (Bloomfield); Needham (L); Finburgh (Levett); Culford and West Stow (Wrt). Thence we know it only in a wood near Barham Green (Sparke) and a larva at Bungay (Mn).

Recent Suffolk Status: Local. More regularly recorded in modern times as it is strongly attracted to light traps.

Life History: Single-brooded, with odd records later in the year. The distinctive larvae have been found in the county on various trees. They resemble bird droppings when young but in the final instar they are banded yellow and black with distinctive club-shaped hairs along the sides.

Identification: Unmistakeable.

Habitats: Damp woodlands with Alder trees and Birch Woodland.

Recorded in 46 (79%) of 58 10k Squares.
First Recorded in 1960.
Last Recorded in 2023.

Latest 5 Records
Date#VC10k Area
27/07/2023125TM59 - Lowestoft
27/06/2023125TM24 - Woodbridge/Martlesham
23/06/2023125TM24 - Woodbridge/Martlesham
22/06/2023125TM24 - Woodbridge/Martlesham
20/06/2023+25TM34 - Hollesley/Rendlesham Forest
Further info: Acronicta alni
 
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