Male. Taken at Aston, Oxon., on April 22nd 2026. (© David Hastings)
(Canon R6+RF100, f/8, 1/200th, ISO4000, 100mm)

Female. Taken at Rodborough Common, Gloucs, on May 9th 2022. (© David Hastings)
(1/1000th sec at f13)

Description

Family: Erebidae (ABH : 72.022)

Wing span: 34 - 38mm

This moth has a broad forewing, with a variable number of black spots. The male has brown or grey-brown wings, whereas the female has slightly translucent white wings. It is generally smaller than similar species.

It is widespread in England, Wales and Ireland. In Scotland it is local in the south.

Habitats are usually open, including woodland, download, gardens, sand-dunes and hedgerows.

There is one generation from April to early June. The pupa is the overwintering stage.

Larvae feed on many herbaceous plants, including docks, plantains and Red Dead-nettle.

The male is noctural, but the female is active by day and flies in sunshine.

Earliest UK sighting: 12th April ; Latest UK sighting: 5th June

Sightings