Male. Taken at Aston, Oxon., on June 25th 2026. (© David Hastings)
(Canon R6+RF100, f/11, 1/250th, ISO 4000, 100mm)

Description

Family: Erebidae (ABH : 72.052)

Wing span: 26 - 28mm

This moth has whitish-fawn upper surfaces, and a small rounded central dot and two rows of black dots on the forewing. The male has feathered antennae.

It is mainly found in East Anglia, Essex and the Thames estuary, although it has been spreading into Kent, Sussex and the Thames Valley.

This is a species of wetlands, both calcareous and acid.

There is one generation per year, from mid-June to August. It over-winters as a part-grown larva.

Larvae feed on Wood-sedge, Hairy Wood-rush and Field Wood-rush.

It flies at dusk and comes to light. It can be disturbed from vegetation during the day.

Earliest UK sighting: 24th June ; Latest UK sighting: 25th June

Sightings