UKMoths Lempke's Gold Spot Plusia putnami - Distribution map
Please note that the NBN Gateway map service has been terminated as of 1 April 2017.
As soon as a replacement map service is available, distribution maps will hopefully appear here again.
In the meantime, you can get some idea of distribution from the NBN Atlas website.
73.023 BF2440
Lempke's Gold Spot Plusia putnami
Lempke, 1966
Wingspan 32-42 mm.
Very similar to the Gold Spot (P. festucae), this species has a shorter, broader forewing with a shorter and broader whitish streak near the wingtip. The ground colour is often more orange or yellowish, and the two metallic blotches more rounded. However, intermediate individuals do occur, and it can be necessary to check the structure of the genitalia to be sure.
Fairly common in northern England, parts of Scotland and East Anglia, this species prefers a generally damper environment than P. festucae.
It flies in July and August, coming regularly to light.
Among the foodplants is small-reed (Calamogrostis spp.).
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