Black Collar Moth
Common NameBlack Collar Moth
Scientific NameNoctua orbona
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyNoctuinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, orange, black
HabitatWoodlands, heathland, gardens, open grassy areas
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia
Host PlantsPlantago, Rumex, Taraxacum, Poa, Festuca
Flight PeriodJune to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUnivoltine, with larvae overwintering on various low-growing plants and grasses. Pupation occurs in the soil, and adults emerge in summer.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its mottled brown forewings with prominent stigmata and wavy lines, and especially by its bright orange hindwings with a broad black subterminal band, which are visible when the moth is disturbed.
Description
A medium-sized moth with mottled brown and grey forewings, featuring distinct kidney-shaped and round stigmata, and a wavy subterminal line. The hindwings are bright orange with a broad black band.
