Lunar Yellow Underwing
Common NameLunar Yellow Underwing
Scientific NameNoctua orbona
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyNoctuinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, reddish-brown, yellow, black
HabitatOpen woodlands, gardens, hedgerows, heathland, grasslands
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia
Host Plantsdock, plantain, primrose, dandelion, various grasses
Flight PeriodJune to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid in late summer, larvae hatch and feed through autumn, overwinter as larvae, pupate in spring, and adults emerge in early summer.
Identification TipsKey features include the mottled brown forewings with distinct kidney and orbicular stigmata, and the bright yellow hindwings with a broad black subterminal band, which are revealed when the moth is disturbed or in flight.
Description
This moth has cryptically patterned forewings in mottled shades of brown, grey, and reddish-brown, providing excellent camouflage against bark or dead leaves. Its hindwings, not visible when at rest, are bright yellow with a broad black border.
