Smoked Sallow
Common NameSmoked Sallow
Scientific NameXanthia gilvago
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyXyleninae
Wingspan (mm)35
Primary Colorsorange, brown, black
HabitatDeciduous woodlands, parks, gardens, hedgerows
Geographic RangeEurope, temperate Asia
Host Plantselm, sallow, poplar
Flight PeriodAugust to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid in autumn and hatch in spring. Larvae feed on developing catkins and then leaves of host trees, pupating in the soil. Adults emerge in late summer.
Identification TipsLook for the warm orange-brown coloration, the distinct wavy cross-lines, and the two prominent black spots (reniform and orbicular stigmata) on the forewings. It often has a more reddish or smoky hue compared to similar sallow moths.
Description
A medium-sized moth with warm orange-brown forewings marked with darker, wavy transverse lines and two prominent black stigmata. The hindwings are paler.
