Taken at Alvescot, Oxon., on September 27th 2026. (© David Hastings)
(Canon R62+RF100, f/9 1/250th, ISO 2000, 100mm)

Description

Family: Noctuidae (ABH : 73.225)

Wing span: 30 - 34mm

This species is quite variable. The fore-wing is green, greenish-black or grey, usually rather obscurely marked, but sometimes more strongly variegated. It has a small pale blotch in the centre adjacent to the oval.

It is well distributed in the southern half of England and Wales, but is more local in northern England and Scotland.

Habitats are broad-leaved woodland, parkland and some gardens.

There is one generation per year, September to October in the south, and late August to September in the north. It over-winters as an egg.

Larvae feed on the expanding buds and leaves of Pedunculate Oak and probably Sessile Oak. May also use Hazel and hawthorns.

It comes to light, sugar and over-ripe blackberries.

Earliest UK sighting: 27th September

Sightings