Taken at Aston, Oxon., on May 1st 2022. (© David Hastings)
(1/400th sec at f11)

Description

Family: Noctuidae (ABH : 73.329)

Wing span: 24 - 30mm

The most conspicuous feature of this moth is the bright straw-coloured band running along the leading edge of the forewing. This is accentuated by a black streak extending from the base through the oval and kidney marks. The base colour is reddish or purplish-brown.

It can be found throughout the British Isles.

It utilises a range of habitats, including gardens, farmland, grassland, hedgerows, moorland, woodland and wetlands.

In southern Britain there are two generations from April to September. In northern Britain there is only one, from late May to early August. It over-winters as a pupa.

Larvae feed on a wide range of herbaceous plants, including Groundsel, Ribwort Plantain and bedstraws.

It comes to light, also to sugar and flowers.

Earliest UK sighting: 1st May ; Latest UK sighting: 10th September

Sightings