Figure of Eight
Common NameFigure of Eight
Scientific NameDiloba caeruleocephala
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyDilobinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, white
HabitatDeciduous woodlands, hedgerows, gardens, orchards
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, temperate Asia
Host Plantsblackthorn, hawthorn, apple, pear, oak, elm, willow
Flight PeriodLate August to early November
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs overwinter on host plants, larvae hatch in spring and are blue-grey with yellow stripes. Pupation occurs in a cocoon on the host plant or in leaf litter, with adults emerging in autumn.
Identification TipsThe most distinctive feature is the prominent, irregular white mark on the forewings that often resembles a figure-of-eight, a 'W', or an 'M'. The larvae are also identifiable by their blue-grey body and yellow stripes.
Description
A medium-sized moth with mottled grey-brown forewings featuring a distinctive, irregular white mark resembling a figure-of-eight, and a robust, hairy body.
