Clouded Cosmet
Common NameClouded Cosmet
Scientific NameCosmia trapezina
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyNoctuinae
Wingspan (mm)32
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsdark brown, grey, white
HabitatWoodlands, gardens, hedgerows, parks
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia
Host Plantsoak, willow, hawthorn, birch, elm, honeysuckle
Flight PeriodJuly to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUnivoltine, with larvae feeding from April to June on various deciduous trees and shrubs. Pupation occurs in the soil or leaf litter, and adults emerge in summer. Larvae are known to be cannibalistic.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive two small white spots on each forewing against a dark, often mottled background. Its slender body and relatively long antennae are also characteristic.
Description
A small, slender moth with dark brown or greyish-brown forewings, each typically marked with two small, distinct white spots. The hindwings are paler.
