Taken at Aston, Oxon., on October 21st 2025. (© David Hastings)
(Canon R6+RF100, f/10, 1/200th, ISO10000, 100mm)

Description

Family: Noctuidae (ABH : 73.224)

Wing span: 36 - 46mm

This moth is beautifully and uniquely marked. The fore-wing is broad with a curved leading edge, light pastel green with black markings, many of which are edged with white.

It is common and widespread in the British Isles, although more local in Ireland.

Habitats are broad-leaved woodland, parkland, hedgerows and some gardens (although not usually in urban areas).

There is one generation per year in September and October. It over-winters as an egg.

Larvae feed on the immature flowers, and leaves of Penduculate Oak, probably also Sessile Oak and possibly Turkey Oak.

It comes to light, but often fails to enter the trap. It also comes to sugar and feeds at over-ripe berries and Ivy flowers.

Earliest UK sighting: 21st October ; Latest UK sighting: 4th November

Sightings