Old Lady Moth
Image: Balthasar van der Ast (Public domain)
Common NameOld Lady Moth
Scientific NameMormo maura
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyCatocalinae
Wingspan (mm)65
Primary Colorsyellowish-brown, dark brown
HabitatWoodlands, gardens, riverbanks
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia
Host Plantswillow, poplar, fruit trees
Flight PeriodJuly to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are dark grey/brown with paler markings, feeding on various deciduous trees and shrubs. Pupation occurs in a cocoon underground.
Identification TipsLarge size, broad forewings with a distinctive intricate, mottled pattern of dark wavy lines on a lighter ground. Often found resting on tree trunks or walls during the day.
Description
A large, robust moth with broad, cryptically patterned forewings that are typically dark brown or grey with intricate wavy black lines and patches, often with a paler yellowish-brown ground color.
