73.031 BF2465

The Four-spotted Tyta luctuosa

([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)

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Wingspan 22-25 mm.

This scarce and vulnerable species was once widely distributed in the south, but is now restricted to a few small populations in Dorset, the Brecks and elsewhere.

The larvae feed on field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis), and prefer the buds of flowers.

It is on the wing between May and August, and flies from dusk into the night. It can be found in dry, sandy or chalky terrain and wasteland.