73.089 BF2386

Mediterranean Brocade Spodoptera littoralis

(Boisduval, 1833)

Wingspan c. 36mm.

Also known as the African Cotton Leafworm, this species has on several occasions been accidentally imported with cultivated plants, particularly Chrysanthemums, but is also suspected to be a true migrant to the south coast.

The larvae feed on a wide range of plants including cultivated vegetables and fruit, and on occasions is known to be a pest in greenhouses.

Abroad it occurs from Africa through to Asia, and there are several generations.

Suspected immigrants to the British Isles have appeared between June and October.