Asclepias Brocade
Common NameAsclepias Brocade
Scientific NameAbrostola asclepiadis
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyPlusiinae
Wingspan (mm)38
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, black, white
HabitatOpen woodlands, forest edges, meadows, gardens
Geographic RangeCentral and Southern Europe, parts of Asia (e.g., Turkey, Caucasus, Central Asia)
Host Plantsmilkweed, swallow-wort
Flight PeriodJune to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are typically green and feed on milkweed species. Pupation occurs in a cocoon, usually on or near the host plant. The moth is nocturnal.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its cryptic mottled brown and grey forewings with characteristic wavy dark lines and a somewhat 'crumpled' appearance. It can be differentiated from similar Abrostola species by subtle differences in the forewing pattern, particularly the shape and clarity of the stigmata and the extent of yellowish-brown coloration.
Description
A medium-sized moth with mottled brown and grey forewings featuring intricate dark wavy lines and some lighter, almost silvery, markings, providing excellent camouflage.
