Lunar Marbled Brown
Common NameLunar Marbled Brown
Scientific NameDrymonia ruficornis
FamilyNotodontidae
SubfamilyNotodontinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, white
HabitatDeciduous woodlands, especially oak forests
Geographic RangeEurope
Host Plantsoak, birch, beech, hazel
Flight PeriodMarch to May
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on host plant leaves. Larvae feed on foliage, then pupate in a cocoon underground or in leaf litter, overwintering as pupae.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive mottled grey-brown forewings with a pale, crescent-shaped mark (the 'lunar' mark) in the central area. Males have reddish-brown, bipectinate antennae.
Description
A robust, medium-sized moth with mottled grey and brown forewings, featuring a pale, crescent-shaped mark and darker markings that provide excellent camouflage.
