Shoulder-striped 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