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

Description

Family: Noctuidae (ABH : 73.128)

Wing span: 24 - 30mm

The fore-wing of this moth is quite broad. The ground colour is reddish olive-brown, olive-brown or dark brown. The kidney mark is conspicuous, rounded and white or orange. This species cannot be separated from Saltern Ear, Crinan Ear and Large Ear other than by dissecting the genitalia, but it is the most likely one to come across in southern Britain.

It can be found throughout the British Isles.

It is most frequent in unimproved grassland, woodland rides, marshes (salt and fresh) and moorland. It is sometimes recorded in gardens.

There is one generation per year, from late July to September. The egg is the over-wintering stage.

Larvae feed on the insides of the lower stems and roots of grasses.

It comes to light, sugar and flowers.

Earliest UK sighting: 4th August

Sightings