Marbled Shoulder
Common NameMarbled Shoulder
Scientific NameCaradrina morpheus
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyXyleninae
Wingspan (mm)32.5
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, cream, olive-green
HabitatGardens, woodlands, hedgerows, waste ground, damp areas
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia
Host Plantsplantain, dandelion, dock, chickweed
Flight PeriodMay to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are polyphagous, feeding on low-growing herbaceous plants. They overwinter as larvae and pupate in the soil in spring.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive marbled pattern on the forewings, often with a pale patch near the apex and a dark kidney mark. The overall coloration is a mix of browns, creams, and olive-greens.
Description
A small to medium-sized moth with forewings displaying a complex, marbled pattern of cream, olive-green, and various shades of brown, often featuring a darker kidney mark.
