Taken at Aston, Oxon., on June 30th 2026. (© David Hastings)
(Canon R6+RF100, f/9, 1/200th, ISO5000, 100mm)

Description

Family: Noctuidae (ABH : 73.280)

Wing span: 28 - 30mm

This moth has a greenish-grey fore-wing dusted with darker scales, and with fine mottling of orange-gold scales and spots, including a row near the outer edge. It has a broad, dark central cross-band.

It is a recent recolonist, having virtually disappeared in Britain by 1914. It re-appeared in Kent in 1997, and is now well established in SE England and is spreading north.

Habitats are rough open ground, including old chalk pits, roadside verges, gardens and allotments.

There are two generations between late April and early October. It over-winters as a pupa underground.

Larvae feed on the flowers and seeds of Prickly Lettuce, Great Lettuce and Wall Lettuce.

It comes to light and visits flowers.

Earliest UK sighting: 30th June

Sightings