73.055 BF2217

Star-wort Cucullia asteris

([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)

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Wingspan 43-50 mm.

Mainly coastal in distribution, occurring along the eastern and southern coasts of England from Yorkshire to Dorset, with a few scattered localities inland in the south-east. Also sparingly on the Welsh coastline.

The adults fly between June to August and visit flowers to feed as well as coming to light.

The larvae are not so distinctively marked as other members of the genus, but are still quite attractive, marked with green and yellow stripes. They feed on the flowers of sea aster (Aster tripolium) and goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea).