Polymixis trisignata
Common NamePolymixis trisignata
Scientific NamePolymixis trisignata
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyXyleninae
Wingspan (mm)38
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, white
HabitatWoodlands, forests, gardens, and other areas with deciduous trees and shrubs
Geographic RangeCentral and Southern Europe, extending eastwards into parts of Asia
Host PlantsQuercus, Crataegus, Prunus spinosa, Salix
Flight PeriodSeptember to November
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThis moth is univoltine, meaning it has one generation per year. Eggs are laid in autumn and overwinter, hatching in spring. Larvae feed during spring and early summer, pupating in the soil before adults emerge in autumn.
Identification TipsKey identification features include its late autumn flight period, the distinctive mottled brown and grey forewing pattern, and the presence of two relatively clear white-rimmed stigmata on each forewing. The overall cryptic appearance helps it blend with tree bark.
Description
A medium-sized moth with highly cryptic, mottled forewings in shades of dark brown, reddish-brown, and pale greyish-brown, resembling tree bark. It features indistinct darker lines and two prominent white-rimmed stigmata on each forewing.
