Iron Prominent
Common NameIron Prominent
Scientific NameNotodonta dromedarius
FamilyNotodontidae
SubfamilyNotodontinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, black, reddish-brown
HabitatWoodlands, heathlands, gardens, parks
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia
Host Plantsbirch, alder, hazel, oak, willow, lime
Flight PeriodMay to August (two generations)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on host plant leaves. Larvae are typically green or brownish-green with a humped back, feeding on leaves before pupating in a cocoon in the soil or leaf litter.
Identification TipsLook for the prominent humped posture at rest and the mottled brown and grey forewings with darker markings and reddish-brown patches, particularly the 'iron-like' mark near the tornus.
Description
A medium-sized moth with a distinctive humped appearance due to raised tufts on its thorax and forewings. Its wings are cryptically mottled in shades of brown, grey, and reddish-brown, providing excellent camouflage.
