Purple Clay
Common NamePurple Clay
Scientific NameDiarsia brunnea
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyNoctuinae
Wingspan (mm)38
Primary Colorsreddish-brown, dark brown, yellowish-brown
HabitatWoodlands, forests, heaths, moorlands, gardens
Geographic RangeHolarctic (Europe, Asia, North America)
Host Plantsbilberry, heather, dock, dandelion, willow, birch, various grasses
Flight PeriodMay to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae hatch in late summer/autumn, overwinter as larvae, and pupate in the soil in spring. Adults emerge in late spring/early summer.
Identification TipsLook for the reddish-brown forewings with a purplish tinge (when fresh), the prominent dark median band, and the distinct pale-edged reniform and orbicular stigmata. The hindwings are plain brown.
Description
A medium-sized moth with reddish-brown forewings, often with a purplish sheen, featuring prominent darker markings and distinct pale yellowish reniform and orbicular stigmata. The hindwings are a uniform dull brown.
