Lesser Yellow Underwing
Common NameLesser Yellow Underwing
Scientific NameNoctua interposita
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyNoctuinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, yellow, black
HabitatGardens, woodlands, hedgerows, grasslands, parks
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia
Host PlantsPlantago, Rumex, Taraxacum, Stellaria, Poa
Flight PeriodJuly to October
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid in late summer, larvae hatch and feed through autumn, overwinter as larvae, and pupate in spring. Adults emerge in summer, typically having one generation per year.
Identification TipsDistinguished from other *Noctua* species by the specific shape and clarity of the forewing stigmata, and the extent of the black band on the yellow hindwings, which is typically narrower than *N. pronuba* but broader than *N. comes*.
Description
A medium-sized moth with cryptically patterned brown and grey forewings featuring prominent, often outlined, reniform and orbicular spots. The hindwings are bright yellow with a broad black subterminal band.
