Scarce Blackneck
Common NameScarce Blackneck
Scientific NameLygephila craccae
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyErebinae
Wingspan (mm)34
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorspale grey, brown, black
HabitatOpen woodlands, clearings, scrubland, heathland, often on calcareous soils
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia
Host PlantsVicia cracca, Vicia spp., Lathyrus spp.
Flight PeriodJune to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae feed on various vetch species, particularly Tufted Vetch (*Vicia cracca*). They pupate in a cocoon, often among leaves or in the soil. The species overwinters in the egg stage.
Identification TipsKey identification features include the dark head and thorax sharply contrasting with the pale forewings, the presence of a dark basal costal patch and two distinct blackish stigmata (spots) on the forewings, and the darker brown hindwings with clearly visible venation.
Description
A medium-sized moth characterized by its pale greyish-brown forewings, a contrasting dark blackish head and thorax, and two distinct blackish spots on the forewings. The hindwings are a darker brown with prominent venation.
