73.023 BF2440

Lempke's Gold Spot Plusia putnami

Lempke, 1966

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Wingspan 32-42 mm.

Very similar to the Gold Spot (P. festucae), this species has a shorter, broader forewing with a shorter and broader whitish streak near the wingtip. The ground colour is often more orange or yellowish, and the two metallic blotches more rounded. However, intermediate individuals do occur, and it can be necessary to check the structure of the genitalia to be sure.

Fairly common in northern England, parts of Scotland and East Anglia, this species prefers a generally damper environment than P. festucae.

It flies in July and August, coming regularly to light.

Among the foodplants is small-reed (Calamogrostis spp.).