Silvery Gem
Common NameSilvery Gem
Scientific NameAutographa bractea
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyPlusiinae
Wingspan (mm)43
Primary Colorsbrown, bronze, silvery-white, pinkish-purple
HabitatWoodlands, heathland, gardens, open country
Geographic RangeEurope, Asia
Host Plantsdandelion, nettle, plantain, hawkweeds
Flight PeriodJune to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on host plants, larvae are green and feed on leaves, pupation occurs in a cocoon, and adults emerge after metamorphosis.
Identification TipsLook for the prominent, often iridescent, silvery-white mark on the forewing, which can appear as a 'gem' or a broken 'figure-of-eight'. The overall rich brown and bronze coloration with wavy lines is also characteristic.
Description
A medium-sized moth with rich brown and bronze forewings, intricately patterned with wavy lines and a distinctive, often iridescent, silvery-white mark resembling a 'gem' or 'figure-of-eight' near the center.
