Taken at Alvescot, Oxon., on July 5th 2026. (© David Hastings)
(Canon R6+RF100, f/10, 1/200th, ISO3200, 100mm)

Description

Family: Erebidae (ABH : 72.066)

Wing span: 22 - 28mm

This moth is unmistakable. The charcoal colour, white or cream spotting and yellow blotches on the outer edge of the central line of both fore- and hind-wings are distinctive. It rests with its wings widely spread on a tree or wall, like a geometrid moth.

It is quite well distributed in SE England. It is also found in Warwickshire, Worcestershire and Nottinghamshire. It may also be an immigrant.

Habitats are damp or boggy woodland. It will also breed on stored logs and old timber in buildings.

There is usually one generation in June and July. There may be a partial second in September. It over-winters as a small larva.

The main larval food is fungi (usually bracket fungi) on rotting trees, particularly birch and pine.

It flies from dusk and comes to light and sugar.

Nationally Scarce B

Earliest UK sighting: 5th July

Sightings