Male. Taken at Aston, Oxon., on September 7th 2026. (© David Hastings)
(Canon R62+RF100, f/11, 1/250th, ISO 16000, 100mm)

Description

Family: Noctuidae (ABH : 73.253)

Wing span: 32 - 44mm

The male is thickset, with a broad fore-wing, straight leading edge and strongly feathered antennae. The female is larger, with un-feathered antennae. The fine straw-white steaks along the veins of the fore-wing, dark cross-lines and black arrowhead marks on the inner edge of the outermost cross-line distinguish this from most other species.

It is well distributed throughout most of Britain up to south-east and south-west Scotland, but is very local further north.

Habitats are rough grassland, woodland rides and edges, parkland and some gardens.

There is one generation in August and September. The egg is the over-wintering stage.

Larvae feed on hard-bladed grasses including Mat-grass and Sheep's-fescue.

It comes to light.

Earliest UK sighting: 7th September

Sightings