Bird's Wing
Common NameBird's Wing
Scientific NamePhlogophora meticulosa
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyXyleninae
Wingspan (mm)50
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsdark brown, tan, olive-green
HabitatGardens, woodlands, hedgerows, parks, open country
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia
Host Plantsnettle, dock, bramble, various garden plants
Flight PeriodApril to November
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are polyphagous, feeding on a wide range of herbaceous plants and shrubs. They typically pupate in the soil, and the species overwinters as a larva or pupa.
Identification TipsEasily identified by the unique 'bird's wing' or 'angle shades' pattern on its forewings, characterized by a distinct pale, V-shaped or W-shaped mark.
Description
A medium-sized moth with dark brown forewings featuring a prominent, pale, angled central mark that strongly resembles a bird's wing, providing excellent camouflage.
