Taken at Aston, Oxon., on June 20th 2026. (© David Hastings)
(Canon R6+RF100, f/8, 1/200th, ISO2500, 100mm)

Description

Family: Crambidae (ABH : 63.034)

Wing span: 22 - 26mm

This moth has a greyish-brown fore-wing, darker on the leading edge. The indistinct cross-lines at two-thirds are darker than the ground colour, and are slightly indented below a dark 8-shaped mark.

It can be found throughout the British Isles, although it is local in Scotland.

Habitats are gardens, hedgerows, scrub and woodlands.

There is one brood per year from late May to August.

Larvae feed on a wide variety of plants, including Alexanders, Blackthorn, dead-nettles, Elder, Common Knapweed, and Common Nettle.

It is easily disturbed from scrub by day, and comes to light.

Earliest UK sighting: 20th June

Sightings