Purple Arches Moth
Common NamePurple Arches Moth
Scientific NameApamea monoglypha
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyHadeninae
Wingspan (mm)50
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, white
HabitatGardens, woodlands, grasslands, heathland, various open and semi-open habitats
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia; introduced to North America (Newfoundland)
Host Plantsvarious grasses (e.g., Dactylis glomerata, Poa annua, Festuca spp.)
Flight PeriodJune to September
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are polyphagous, feeding on various grasses and herbaceous plants. They overwinter as larvae and pupate in the soil.
Identification TipsKey features include the mottled grey-brown forewings with a cryptic pattern, the prominent reniform and orbicular stigmata, and often a paler median band. Some individuals may show a purplish-brown shading, especially around the stigmata.
Description
A medium-sized moth with mottled grey and brown forewings, often featuring a paler central band and distinct kidney-shaped (reniform) and circular (orbicular) stigmata.
