Ash Shoot Borer Moth
Common NameAsh Shoot Borer Moth
Scientific NameCaradrina morpheus
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyNoctuinae
Wingspan (mm)32
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsbrown, tan, white
HabitatGardens, woodlands, hedgerows, open country, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia
Host Plantsdandelion, plantain, dock, knotgrass, various low-growing herbaceous plants
Flight PeriodMay to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are polyphagous, feeding on various herbaceous plants. They typically overwinter as pupae or sometimes as larvae, with one or two generations per year.
Identification TipsLook for the prominent white orbicular and reniform stigmata on the otherwise plain light brown forewings; these spots are often outlined in dark brown.
Description
This small to medium-sized moth has light brown or tan forewings marked with prominent white orbicular and kidney-shaped reniform spots, and a hairy, light brown body.
