Gold Spangle
Common NameGold Spangle
Scientific NamePlusia festucae
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyPlusiinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Primary Colorsbrown, gold, reddish-brown
HabitatWetlands, fens, marshes, damp meadows, riverbanks
Geographic RangePalearctic region, including Europe, North Africa, and temperate Asia to Japan
Host PlantsCarex spp. (sedges), Juncus spp. (rushes), Poa spp. (grasses), Glyceria spp. (grasses), Iris spp. (irises)
Flight PeriodMay to July (first generation), August to October (second generation)
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae are green with white lines and feed on various wetland monocots. They pupate in a silken cocoon spun among the host plant leaves.
Identification TipsKey features include the reddish-brown forewings with their unique, bright metallic gold or yellowish patches, especially the large, irregular central patch and the smaller apical spot. It is often active during the day and at dusk.
Description
A medium-sized moth with rich reddish-brown forewings adorned with distinctive, iridescent metallic gold or yellowish patches, including a prominent irregular patch in the central wing and a smaller one near the apex.
