The Blackneck - Lygephila pastinum

Wingspan 37 to 42 mm. A very narrow looking species, the back of the head and shoulders are dark brown, looking almost black. The pale wing has very fine wavy lined pencilling and a dark brown kidney mark with one or two dots beside it.

Occupying woodland and marshy areas.

In Britain, this moth has only one generation, flying in June and July, but it is double-brooded on the continent.

The species overwinters as a larva, which feeds mainly on Tufted Vetch.

It is locally common in the southern half of Britain, with only scattered occurrences further north. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local.

Occasional in Leicestershire and Rutland. L&R Moth Group status = C (very scarce resident or rare migrant).