Fluid Arches
Common NameFluid Arches
Scientific NameApamea scolopacina
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyXyleninae
Wingspan (mm)36
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, pale brown, dark brown
HabitatWoodlands, hedgerows, gardens, damp areas
Geographic RangeEurope, across the Palearctic to Japan
Host Plantsgrasses (e.g., Deschampsia, Festuca, Poa)
Flight PeriodJuly to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on various grasses and pupate in the soil. The species is univoltine, producing one generation per year.
Identification TipsLook for the characteristic pale, wavy subterminal line forming arches on the forewings, combined with the overall mottled grey-brown coloration and a relatively slender appearance for a noctuid.
Description
A medium-sized moth with mottled grey-brown forewings featuring distinctive pale, wavy lines that form arches, particularly a prominent subterminal line. The hindwings are paler.
