Crossed Golden Arches
Common NameCrossed Golden Arches
Scientific NameEuplexia lucipara
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyXyleninae
Wingspan (mm)34
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, gold, black, white
HabitatWoodlands, gardens, hedgerows, parks
Geographic RangeEurope, Asia, North America (introduced)
Host Plantsferns (e.g., Dryopteris, Pteridium), Rubus, Urtica, Lonicera, Betula
Flight PeriodMay to September (bivoltine in many regions)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are typically green or brown with a pale spiracular line, feeding on a wide variety of herbaceous plants and ferns. They overwinter as pupae in the soil.
Identification TipsKey features include the prominent, often metallic golden-brown markings on the forewings, especially the reniform stigma, set against a complex mottled grey-brown background. The hindwings are generally plain grey-brown.
Description
A medium-sized moth with mottled brown and grey forewings, characterized by distinctive golden-brown markings, particularly the reniform and claviform stigmata, and a pale subterminal line.
