Gold Moth
Common NameGold Moth
Scientific NamePlusia festucae
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyPlusiinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Primary Colorsgold, brown
HabitatWetlands, fens, marshes, damp meadows, riverbanks, gardens
Geographic RangePalearctic region (Europe, North Africa, temperate Asia), also parts of North America
Host Plantssedges, rushes, grasses, irises, water-plantain
Flight PeriodMay to October (two or three generations)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are green with white lines, feeding on various wetland plants. They pupate in a white silken cocoon on the host plant, and the species typically overwinters as a larva.
Identification TipsLook for the striking metallic gold coloration of the forewings, which often feature two small, brighter golden spots. The hairy, yellowish-brown thorax and head are also distinctive.
Description
A medium-sized moth characterized by its brilliant metallic golden forewings, often with two distinct golden spots and faint wavy lines. Its body is densely covered in yellowish-brown hairs.
