Marbled Clover
Flies by day in the sunshine and comes to light.
The larva feeds from late July to early September. Reported to be more easily found after dark, but can be swept from vegetation by day.
Size and Family
- Family – Clovers, Straws and allies (Heliothines)
- Small Sized
- Wing Span Range (male to female) - 30-36mm
Conservation status
- UK BAP: Priority Species
- Red Data Book
Caterpillar Food Plants
Flowers of Cross-leaved Heath (Erica tetralix), but also said to feed on Heather (Calluna vulgaris) and Bog Asphodel (Narthecium ossifragum)
Habitat
Large tracts of heathland where Cross-leaved heath is abundant. Usually found in areas of fairly young vegetation succession, for example following previous burns.
Distribution
- Countries – England
- Surrey, Hampshire, Dorset and formerly west Cornwall. Also reported from Devon with a single, presumed immigrant, in Kent.
- Distribution Trend Since 1970s = Britain: Declining
Shoulder-striped Clover
Shoulder-striped Clover - Ryszard Szczygieł
Shoulder-striped Clover
Ryszard Szczygieł