Obliterated Moth
Common NameObliterated Moth
Scientific NamePhyllophila obliterata
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyAcontiinae
Wingspan (mm)24
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, white
HabitatDry warm slopes, poor grasslands, fallow land, open forests
Geographic RangeSouthern and Central Europe, North Africa, parts of Asia
Host PlantsThymus, Teucrium, Genista, Plantago, Galium, Achillea
Flight PeriodMay to July, August to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis. Larvae are polyphagous, feeding on various low-growing plants, and typically overwinter before pupating.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its mottled grey-brown forewings with often indistinct but present reniform and orbicular spots, and a characteristic wavy subterminal line. The overall cryptic coloration is key for identification.
Description
A small to medium-sized moth with mottled grey and brown forewings, featuring darker spots and wavy lines, and paler hindwings, providing excellent camouflage.
