Flounced Chestnut
Common NameFlounced Chestnut
Scientific NameAgrochola ruticilla
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyNoctuinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Primary Colorsbrown, reddish-brown, grey
HabitatDeciduous woodlands, parks, gardens, hedgerows
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia Minor
Host Plantsoak, sallow, hawthorn, birch, elm
Flight PeriodSeptember to November
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs overwinter, hatching in spring. Larvae feed on buds and young leaves of deciduous trees, then pupate underground. Adults emerge in late summer and fly through autumn.
Identification TipsLook for the characteristic reddish-brown or grey-brown forewings with prominent, often dark-outlined reniform and orbicular stigmata. The outer margin of the forewing is subtly scalloped, distinguishing it from similar species.
Description
A medium-sized moth with mottled reddish-brown to grey-brown forewings, featuring distinct darker stigmata and a finely scalloped outer margin. Its body is robust and hairy, blending well with tree bark.
