Taken at Aston, Oxon., on October 18th 2024. (© David Hastings)
(1/200th sec at f11)

Description

Family: Noctuidae (ABH : 73.195)

Wing span: 26 - 30mm

This moth is similar to the Chestnut, but has a pointed or slightly hooked wing-tip, and a straighter leading edge. It is rather shiny when fresh. The ground colour is usually dark chocolate-brown.

It is well-distributed and fairly frequent throughout England and Wales. It is local but expanding in southern Scotland.

It is found in woodland and more open country. Also in some suburban gardens.

There is one generation between October and February.

Larval food-plants include Blackthorn, Hawthorn, sallows, oaks, docks and Dandelion.

It comes to light in small numbers.

Earliest UK sighting: 21st February ; Latest UK sighting: 18th October

Sightings