The Sorcerer
Common NameThe Sorcerer
Scientific NameAcontia lucida
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyAcontiinae
Wingspan (mm)29
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsbrown, white
HabitatOpen grasslands, meadows, gardens, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia
Host Plantsmallow, hollyhock, marsh-mallow
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on various herbaceous plants, particularly mallows. They pupate in a cocoon in the soil or leaf litter, typically having two to three generations per year.
Identification TipsKey identification features include the distinctive large white triangular patch on the otherwise mottled dark brown forewings, and its relatively small size.
Description
A small to medium-sized moth with mottled dark brown forewings, each featuring a prominent white triangular patch. The hindwings are dark with white fringes.
