Lesser Yellow Underwing
Common NameLesser Yellow Underwing
Scientific NameNoctua comes
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyNoctuinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Primary Colorsolive, brown, yellow, black
HabitatGardens, woodlands, heathland, open country, grasslands
Geographic RangeWidespread across Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia
Host Plantsplantain, dock, dandelion, knotgrass, various grasses
Flight PeriodJuly to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are polyphagous, feeding on a wide range of herbaceous plants and grasses, typically at night. They overwinter as larvae and pupate in the soil.
Identification TipsLook for the mottled olive-brown forewings with prominent dark-ringed stigmata. The bright yellow hindwings with a broad black subterminal band are a key diagnostic feature when visible.
Description
This moth has mottled olive-brown forewings with distinct dark-ringed orbicular and reniform stigmata, providing excellent camouflage against bark or dead leaves. Its hindwings, though not visible here, are bright yellow with a broad black subterminal band.
