Beautiful Brocade
Common NameBeautiful Brocade
Scientific NamePhlogophora pulcherrima
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyXyleninae
Wingspan (mm)40
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, black, ochre
HabitatWoodlands, forests, gardens, hedgerows
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia
Host Plantsbramble, dock, nettle, honeysuckle, various deciduous trees
Flight PeriodMay to July, August to October (bivoltine)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are typically green or brown, feeding on a variety of herbaceous plants and shrubs. The species overwinters as a pupa or sometimes as a larva.
Identification TipsLook for the intricate, variegated forewing pattern with prominent reniform and orbicular stigmata, often with a reddish-brown or ochreous flush, which helps distinguish it from similar brocade moths.
Description
A medium-sized moth with broad, cryptically patterned forewings featuring a complex mix of grey, brown, black, and ochre markings, providing excellent camouflage against bark or dead leaves.
