Taken at the Warburg reserve, Oxon., on June 28th 2009. (© David Hastings)
(1/60th sec at f3.5)

Description

Family: Noctuidae (ABH : 73.352)

Wing span: 40 - 50mm

This is a beautiful rich green moth when freshly emerged, marbled to a varying extent with white, brown and black. The green fades rapidly on exposure to sunlight.

It can be found in most of the British Isles.

Its main habitats are broad-leaved woodland and carr.

There is one generation in June and July. It over-winters as a larva.

Larvae feed on a range of herbaceous and woody plants, including Primrose, docks, Honeysuckle, Bramble and Bilberry.

Comes to light in small numbers, and frequently to sugar.

Earliest UK sighting: 28th June

Sightings