Taken at Hackpen Hill, Oxon, on April 19th 2026. (© David Hastings)
(Canon R7 + 100-400mm, 1/1000th sec, f11, ISO1800, 560mm)

Description

Family: Erebidae (ABH : 72.084)

Wing span: 26 - 32mm

The large, irregular, cream-edged dark brown blotch in the centre of the forewings of this moth resemble the caricature of an old hag in profile. It was named after Old Mother Shipton, a 16th century Yorkshire witch.

It is found in most of the British Isles, except for northern and eastern Scotland.

Habitats are rough grassy places, including downland, heathland, low moorland, hay-meadows, woodland rides and embankments.

There is one generation from early May to early July. The pupa is the over-wintering stage.

Larval foodplants are clovers, Black Medick, Lucerne and Common Bird's-foot Trefoil.

It flies in sunshine and is easily disturbed.

Earliest UK sighting: 19th April ; Latest UK sighting: 13th June

Sightings