Taken at Abingdon, Oxon., on July 13th 2021. (© David Hastings)
(1/400th sec at f11)

Description

Family: Erebidae (ABH : 72.045)

Wing span: 28 - 34mm

This species rests with its forewings gently curled over the body. The wings are leaden grey, with a yellow stripe along the leading edge which tapers before the wing tip. The collar is orange-yellow.

It is found in most of the British Isles, but is scarce in central and northern Scotland and NW Ireland.

Habitats are gardens, farmland, wetland, woodland and coastal situations.

There is one generation in July and August The larva is the over-wintering stage.

Larvae feed on lichens and algae on trees, bushes, posts, walls and rocks, and low vegetation.

Comes to sugar, flowers and light.

Earliest UK sighting: 15th June ; Latest UK sighting: 15th August

Sightings