Beautiful Yellow Underwing
Common NameBeautiful Yellow Underwing
Scientific NameAnarta myrtilli
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyHadeninae
Wingspan (mm)27.5
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, white, black, yellow
HabitatHeathland, moorland, bogs, open woodlands
Geographic RangeWestern and Central Europe, including the British Isles
Host Plantsheather, bilberry, cross-leaved heath
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are green with white stripes, feeding on heather and bilberry. They pupate in a cocoon underground, typically overwintering as pupae.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive cryptic forewing pattern and the flash of bright yellow hindwings when disturbed or in flight. Often found resting on heather in suitable habitats.
Description
A small moth characterized by its intricately patterned reddish-brown, white, and black forewings, which conceal bright yellow hindwings with a broad black border.
