Slender owlet moth
Common NameSlender owlet moth
Scientific NameHypena rostralis
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyHypeninae
Wingspan (mm)32
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, orange
HabitatWoodlands, hedgerows, gardens, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia; introduced to North America
Host PlantsHops, Nettles
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThis species overwinters as an adult moth, emerging in spring to lay eggs. Larvae feed on host plants, typically producing two generations per year.
Identification TipsLook for the prominent, forward-projecting labial palps that give it a 'snout' appearance. The forewings are mottled brown with two small, often indistinct, orange-yellow spots and a dark, X-shaped mark near the center.
Description
A medium-sized moth characterized by its mottled brown and grey cryptic forewings, featuring distinctive upturned, snout-like labial palps and small orange-yellow spots.
