Taken at Aston, Oxon., on July 17th 2022. (© David Hastings)
(1/500th sec at f11)

Description

Family: Noctuidae (ABH : 73.120)

Wing span: 28 - 32mm

This moth has a variegated tawny or olive brown and straw forewing, with a broad, whitish-edged central band, pinched or broken in the middle. The fringes are chequered.

It is well distributed in central southern England, the south and east Midlands, south-east England and East Anglia. It is absent from SW England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland.

It is found in grassy places, usually on calcareous soils.

There is one generation in July and August. It over-winters as an egg.

Larvae feed on the flowers and seeds of tall grasses, including Cock's-foot, False Oat-grass, Common Couch and sometimes cereals.

It is often found by day resting or feeding on knapweeds. It also comes to light.

Earliest UK sighting: 1st July ; Latest UK sighting: 23rd August

Sightings