Taken at Aston, Oxon., on May 23rd 2026. (© David Hastings)
(Canon R6+RF100, f/9, 1/200th, ISO2000, 100mm)

Description

Family: Noctuidae (ABH : 73.087)

Wing span: 26 - 28mm

This moth is quite distinctive. It is slender, with the fore-wing narrow at the base. It is grey-brown, and the oval and kidney marks are pale pink or orange. When at rest it often wraps its wings around its body.

It is an immigrant. It is most frequently found along the south coasts of England and Wales, but inland records are not unusual. It has a worldwide distribution.

It can be found in a wide range of habitats.

It can be found at any time of year, but usually June to October. Breeding is not confirmed, but is likely.

Larvae feed on a wide range of herbaceous plants in captivity, including Dandelion, Groundsel, docks and Common Restharrrow. In the wild it can be a pest of herbaceous crops.

It comes to light, and visits buddleia and ivy flowers.

Earliest UK sighting: 23rd May

Sightings