Old Lady
Common NameOld Lady
Scientific NameMormo maura
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyXyleninae
Wingspan (mm)65
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsdark brown, light brown, grey, black
HabitatWoodlands, gardens, parks, often near water
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia
Host Plantswillow, poplar, alder, hawthorn, blackthorn, dock
Flight PeriodJuly to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are greyish-brown with darker markings, feeding nocturnally on various trees and shrubs. They overwinter as larvae and pupate in the soil.
Identification TipsKey features include its large size, broad and distinctly scalloped forewings, and the intricate cryptic pattern of browns and greys, often with a noticeable darker central band across the forewing.
Description
A large, robust moth with broad, scalloped wings. The forewings display a complex, mottled pattern of dark brown, light brown, and grey, with intricate wavy lines and a darker central band.
