Taken at Aston, Oxon., on August 4th 2025. (© David Hastings)
(1/200th sec at f/11)

Description

Family: Noctuidae (ABH : 73.279)

Wing span: 26 - 30mm

A broad dark grey central band on a white or greyish-white forewing, which has a straight leading edge, normally makes this species unmistakable.

It is well distributed in southern Britain, but is more local in northern England and southern Scotland.

Habitats are coastal dunes, shingle, and disturbed rough grassland, often on calcareous soils.

There is usually one generation from late May to July. There can be a small second generation in England in August. It over-winters as a pupa.

Larvae feed on the flowers and flower-buds of hawkweeds and hawk's-beards, sow-thistles and related plants.

It comes to light, and feeds on flowers.

Earliest UK sighting: 16th June ; Latest UK sighting: 4th August

Sightings