Photo © Mike Wall
Water Betony
Cucullia scrophulariae
Checklist Number73.056 [B&F: 2220]
Verification
Record requires retention of specimen until confirmed, and may require dissection. Consult with CMR if unsure
Classification
| Family: | Noctuidae |
| Subfamily: | Cuculliinae |
| Genus: | Cucullia |
| Species: | scrophulariae |
| Authority: | ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) |
Very rare immigrant (less than 10 previous UK records) from mainland Europe, appearing in southern England on two occasions, at Swanage, Dorset in June 1949 and again in May 1994. Not recorded in Hampshire or on the Isle of Wight to date. Wingspan 44-50 mm. Very similar to Striped Lychnis S. lychnitis and Mullein S. verbasci from which separated reliably only by dissection of the genitalia. Larva feeds on flowers and seeds of Common Figwort and Water Figwort, no evidence of breeding in the UK.
