Glaucous Shears Moth
Common NameGlaucous Shears Moth
Scientific NamePapestra biren
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyNoctuinae
Wingspan (mm)34
Primary Colorsgrey, black, white
HabitatMoorland, heathland, open woodland, coniferous forests, mountainous regions
Geographic RangeNorthern Europe, Asia, and North America
Host Plantsbilberry, heather, birch, willow
Flight PeriodMay to July
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUnivoltine, with larvae feeding from July to September. Pupation occurs in the soil, and the moth overwinters as a pupa.
Identification TipsLook for its overall dark, frosted grey appearance with prominent, often pale-ringed reniform and orbicular stigmata, and a distinct black basal streak on the forewings.
Description
A medium-sized moth with robust, hairy body and forewings mottled with dark grey, black, and white markings, giving it a frosted or glaucous appearance.
