Taken at Aston, Oxon., on March 23rd 2026. (© David Hastings)
(Canon R6+RF100, f/9, 1/200th, ISO1600, 100mm)

Description

Family: Erebidae (ABH : 72.004)

Wing span: 26 - 30mm

This moth is very variable, but distinctive. The fore-wing is rather narrow with a curved leading edge, light to dark grey-brown in colour, with the tip slightly hooked. The oval and kidney marks have raised scales, and there may be a dark bar between them, resembling a button hole.

It is found mostly in south-east England, and there are also populations in south Wales and the SW Midlands.

It favours large, dense stands of Hop, often in sunny locations, and in proximity to over-wintering sites.

There is one generation from August to early October, and, after hibernation, late March to mid-June. It hibernates in unheated out-buildings, cellars, caves and hollow trees.

Larvae feed on Hops, including the garden cultivar Golden Hop.

It comes to light sources, such as house windows, but is not frequent at light traps.

Earliest UK sighting: 22nd March ; Latest UK sighting: 7th September

Sightings