Tawny Shears
Common NameTawny Shears
Scientific NameHadena perplexa
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyHadeninae
Wingspan (mm)32
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, white, black
HabitatOpen woodlands, heathlands, gardens, hedgerows, waste ground
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia
Host PlantsSilene dioica, Silene latifolia, Silene vulgaris, Lychnis flos-cuculi
Flight PeriodMay to July
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on host plants. Larvae feed on the seeds and flowers of campions and catchflies, then pupate in the soil over winter.
Identification TipsLook for the intricate, cryptic forewing pattern with distinct reniform and orbicular stigmata, and a prominent wavy subterminal line. The overall tawny-brown and grey coloration is characteristic.
Description
A medium-sized moth with forewings displaying a complex, mottled pattern of brown, grey, and white, providing excellent camouflage against bark or dead leaves.
