73.073 BF2402

Shoulder-striped Clover Heliothis maritima

Graslin, 1855

Wingspan c.30-36 mm.

This Red Data Book species is restricted to a handful of heaths in Hampshire, Dorset and Surrey, where it is rather localised.

It flies in the daytime, preferring hot sunshine, visiting various heathland flowers, but also comes to light after dark. Late June to July is the main flight period.

The larvae feed on the flowers of cross-leaved heath (Erica tetralix) and heathers (Calluna).