B&F: 2357

ABH: 73.127

Status: Probable adventive

Distribution and Abundance: Rare

Primary Habitat: Acid grassland, Moorland

Flight Period: Single brooded from August to September.

Observations: The species is noted to be occur on moorland and acid grassland, where the larvae feed on the roots and stem bases of grasses, especially Purple Moor-grass (Molinea caerulea). A single Large Ear was noted in neighbouring Leicestershire in 2024 and thus the alert was made to keep an eye out for Ear Moth species. A single "Ear Moth" specimen was recorded in a garden light trap in Oundle (TL09) on 13.viii.2025. It was retained as "it looked different", and when presented for dissection at year-end its identity was discovered. Given the normal habitat for this species, this moth likely reprsents a migrant or adventive individual.

Confusion Species: Other "Ear" species - genitalia dissection required for positive identification.

L.O.N.: N/A

First Record: 2025, Horsnail.