Taken at Aston, Oxon., on June 3rd 2026. (© David Hastings)
(Canon R6+RF100, f/9, 1/200th, ISO 4000, 100mm)

Description

Family: Noctuidae (ABH : 73.052)

Wing span: 44 - 52mm

This species rests with its wings closed tightly around the body, with the collar raised in a pointed projection, which resembles a shark's fin. The forewing is long and narrow, strongly arched before the tip, with the outer edge strongly angled. The forewing is grey-brown, tinged and streaked with grey-brown or blackish marks.

It can be found in most of the British Isles, but is not frequent in Scotland.

Its habitat is usually rather open country, including urban gardens, rough ground, and chalk and limestone grassland.

There is one generation, from late May to August. It over-winters as a pupa underground.

Larvae feed on the flowers and leaves of sow-thistles, wild lettuces, hawks-beards and hawkweeds.

It comes to light and feeds at flowers such as Honeysuckle, Red Valerian and Rhododendron.

Earliest UK sighting: 3rd June

Sightings