Taken at Aston, Oxon., on August 6th 2022. (© David Hastings)
(1/400th sec at f10)

Description

Family: Noctuidae (ABH : 73.346)

Wing span: 32 - 42mm

This species is distinguished mainly by its size and the rich reddish-brown colour of its fore-wings.

It is widespread and common in England, Wales and Ireland, and up to the Firth of Forth in Scotland.

Habitats are usually open places, such as hedgerows, gardens, fens and sand-dunes.

There is one generation per year, from July to early September. It over-winters as a half-grown larva, close to the ground.

Larvae feed on herbaceous plants such as Meadowsweet and Common Mallow, and grasses. In spring, also on sallows and hawthorns.

It comes frequently to light, less often to sugar and flowers.

Earliest UK sighting: 11th July ; Latest UK sighting: 21st August

Sightings