Taken at Abingdon, Oxon., on August 12th 2020. (© David Hastings)
(1/200th sec at f14)

Description

Family: Noctuidae (ABH : 73.131)

Wing span: 28 - 36mm

A thick-set, variable moth. The forewing is coarsely marked and very variable in colour. The hindwing is white or brownish-white.

It can be found in most of the British Isles, but is scarce and local in the western Scottish highlands.

Habitats are a wide range of grassy places, including fields and woodland rides.

There is one generation in August and September. It over-winters as a larva.

The larvae feed on the roots and stem bases of grasses, including Common Couch, fescues and sometimes cereal crops.

Adults come to light. They rest on grasses at night but do not feed.

Earliest UK sighting: 1st August ; Latest UK sighting: 19th September

Sightings