Gray Sallow
Common NameGray Sallow
Scientific NameXylocampa areola
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyCuculliinae
Wingspan (mm)41
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, black
HabitatWoodlands, gardens, hedgerows, scrubland
Geographic RangeWestern Europe, British Isles
Host Plantshoneysuckle (Lonicera spp.)
Flight PeriodMarch to May
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on honeysuckle leaves from May to July, then pupate in an earthen cocoon underground, overwintering as pupae.
Identification TipsLook for the mottled grey-brown forewings with a distinctive dark basal streak and often a dark patch near the tornus. The hairy thorax and early spring flight period are also good indicators.
Description
A medium-sized moth with a robust, hairy body and mottled grey-brown forewings featuring darker grey or blackish markings, often with a prominent dark streak near the base. The hindwings are paler grey.
