Dark Brocade
Common NameDark Brocade
Scientific NameBlepharita adusta
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyXyleninae
Wingspan (mm)38.5
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsdark brown, grey, black, reddish-brown
HabitatWoodlands, heathland, moorland, gardens
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia
Host Plantsheather, bilberry, dock, plantain, grasses
Flight PeriodJune to August
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae are polyphagous, feeding on various low-growing plants and shrubs. They overwinter as eggs, hatch in spring, pupate in the soil, and adults emerge in summer.
Identification TipsKey features include the dark, mottled forewings with indistinct but often reddish-tinged stigmata, and a robust body. Careful examination of the specific wing markings is often needed to distinguish it from similar dark Noctuidae.
Description
A medium-sized moth characterized by its cryptically patterned forewings, featuring a complex mix of dark browns, greys, black, and reddish-brown, providing excellent camouflage.
