Pale Shoulder
Common NamePale Shoulder
Scientific NameAcontia lucida
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyAcontiinae
Wingspan (mm)26
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorswhite, brown, black
HabitatOpen dry areas, grasslands, scrubland, gardens
Geographic RangeSouthern Europe, North Africa, parts of Asia
Host PlantsMalva, Alcea
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on mallow and hollyhock species, pupating in a cocoon. The species typically has multiple broods per year.
Identification TipsLook for the striking contrast between the white basal area and the darker, mottled central and outer wing sections, along with the pale 'shoulder' area on the thorax.
Description
A small moth with distinctive forewings featuring a broad white band across the base, followed by a complex pattern of brown, black, and white patches, and a pale head and thorax.
