Frosted Orange
Common NameFrosted Orange
Scientific NameGortyna flavago
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyNoctuinae
Wingspan (mm)38.5
Primary Colorsorange, yellow, brown
HabitatDamp grasslands, fens, marshes, woodland edges, gardens, hedgerows
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, temperate Asia
Host Plantsburdock, thistle, dock, foxglove, ragwort
Flight PeriodAugust to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid in autumn and hatch in spring. Larvae bore into the stems and roots of large herbaceous plants, pupating underground in late summer. It is univoltine.
Identification TipsKey features include the distinctive bright orange-yellow forewings with clearly defined, pale-ringed kidney and orbicular spots, set against darker brown areas. Its flight period in late summer to autumn is also a good indicator.
Description
A medium-sized moth with bright orange-yellow forewings featuring prominent, pale-ringed kidney and orbicular spots, contrasting with darker brown basal and terminal areas. Its hindwings are pale brownish-grey.
