Lesser Budworm Moth
Common NameLesser Budworm Moth
Scientific NameApamea sordens
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyNoctuinae
Wingspan (mm)38
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, white, black
HabitatGrasslands, meadows, open woodlands, agricultural fields
Geographic RangeHolarctic (Europe, Asia, North America)
Host Plantsvarious grasses, wheat, barley, rye
Flight PeriodMay to July
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are cutworms, feeding on the roots and lower stems of grasses and cereal crops. They overwinter as larvae and pupate in the soil.
Identification TipsKey features include the mottled brown/grey forewing pattern, the contrast between the dark reniform and lighter orbicular spots, and the wavy subterminal line. Differentiation from very similar Apamea species often requires examination of genitalic structures.
Description
A medium-sized, cryptically colored moth with mottled brown and grey forewings, featuring a distinct dark, kidney-shaped reniform spot and a lighter, round orbicular spot.
