Taken at Abingdon, Oxon., on August 27th 2021. (© David Hastings)
(1/400th sec at f9)

Taken at Abingdon, Oxon., on September 8th 2021. (© David Hastings)
(1/400th sec at f10)

Description

Family: Noctuidae (ABH : 73.001)

Wing span: 24 - 32mm

This species has a grey shape, which resembles spectacles, on the thorax when viewed from the front. The fur on top of the thorax is piled up into a turret. The fore-wing is grey. A broad, blackish central band encloses the large blackish-outlined oval and kidney marks. The cross-lines are edged with reddish-brown.

It is found in most of England, Wales and Ireland, but is scarce in most of Scotland.

It occupies a range of habitats, often acidic, including rocky river valleys, marshes, hedgerows and gardens.

In most regions there are one or two generations between May and October. It over-winters as a pupa.

Larvae feed on Common Nettle.

Unlike many moths it is active day and night.

Earliest UK sighting: 17th April ; Latest UK sighting: 4th November

Sightings