Purple Cloud
Common NamePurple Cloud
Scientific NameActinotia polyodon
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyNoctuinae
Wingspan (mm)31.5
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsbrown, cream, purplish-brown
HabitatWoodlands, forest edges, clearings, gardens
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia
Host PlantsHypericum, Plantago, Taraxacum, Rumex
Flight PeriodMay to August (bivoltine)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are polyphagous, feeding on various low-growing herbaceous plants. Pupation occurs in the soil.
Identification TipsKey features include the prominent pale central stripe on the forewing, bordered by darker purplish-brown areas, and its relatively small size for an owlet moth.
Description
A medium-sized moth with forewings featuring a distinctive pale cream central stripe bordered by dark brown and purplish-brown patches, creating a cloud-like pattern.
