Male. Taken at Otmoor, Oxon., on July 9th 2018. (© David Hastings)
(1/50th sec at f10)

Female. Taken at Abingdon, Oxon., on August 31st 2020. (© David Hastings)
(1/121th sec at f1.8)

Description

Family: Noctuidae (ABH : 73.342)

Wing span: 42 - 52mm

This is a very variable species, but has a distinctive long, narrow and rounded forewing, consistently with a small black mark close to the leading edge near the tip. The male's forewing is a rich, dark reddish brown to blackish brown. The female is uniformly light brown or brownish-grey.

It can be found throughout the British Isles. In some years major immigrations from the continent occur.

It is most common in open, grassy lowland habitats, but can be found anywhere.

There is one protracted generation from late May to October or November. Early season migrants with matured eggs arrive before resident females have reached this stage. The larva is the overwintering stage

Larvae feed on a wide range of herbaceous plants, including docks, cultivated brassicas, marigolds, Foxglove and Annual Meadow-grass.

It comes to light, often in abundance, and also feeds on sugar and flowers. It is often disturbed during the day, when it will fly for cover while displaying its orange hindwings.

Earliest UK sighting: 27th May ; Latest UK sighting: 6th November

Sightings