Lycophotia Moth
Common NameLycophotia Moth
Scientific NameLycophotia porphyrea
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyNoctuinae
Wingspan (mm)34
Primary Colorsreddish-brown, orange-brown, pale brown
HabitatHeathland, moorland, open woodlands, gardens
Geographic RangeWestern Palearctic, widespread across Europe, extending to North Africa and parts of Asia
Host PlantsCalluna vulgaris (Heather), Erica species (Heaths), Vaccinium myrtillus (Bilberry)
Flight PeriodJuly to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on host plants. Larvae are greyish-brown, feeding on heather and other Ericaceae, overwintering as larvae. Pupation occurs in the soil in a cocoon.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive reddish-brown, mottled forewings with prominent, pale-ringed orbicular and reniform spots. Its presence in heathland habitats is a strong indicator.
Description
A medium-sized moth with reddish-brown to orange-brown forewings, intricately mottled with darker brown patterns and featuring prominent, pale-ringed orbicular and reniform spots.
