Burnished Brass
Common NameBurnished Brass
Scientific NameDiachrysia chrysitis
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyPlusiinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Wing Patterniridescent
Primary Colorsgold, brown, purple
HabitatGardens, woodlands, hedgerows, waste ground, damp areas
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia, North Africa
Host Plantsnettle, thistle, dandelion, plantain, mint
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesOverwinters as a small larva. Larvae are green with white lines, feeding on herbaceous plants. Pupation occurs in a white silken cocoon on the host plant, typically with two generations per year.
Identification TipsThe most distinctive feature is the brilliant metallic golden or brassy patches on the forewings, which are unique among common moths in its range. These patches are usually divided by a darker, often purplish-brown band.
Description
A medium-sized moth characterized by its striking metallic golden or brassy patches on the forewings, often appearing as two large sections separated by a darker, purplish-brown central band. The body is hairy and brownish.
