The Brick
Common NameThe Brick
Scientific NameAgrochola circellaris
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyXyleninae
Wingspan (mm)38
Primary Colorsyellowish-brown, brown, reddish-brown
HabitatWoodlands, hedgerows, gardens, parks
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia
Host Plantselm, sallow, poplar, hawthorn, oak, birch
Flight PeriodAugust to November
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid in autumn and hatch in spring. Larvae feed on buds and young leaves of host trees, later moving to herbaceous plants. Pupation occurs in the soil, with adults emerging in late summer and autumn.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its brick-red to yellowish-brown forewings, often with a purplish tinge, and the characteristic pale-ringed reniform and orbicular stigmata. The wavy crosslines are also distinctive, and its late autumn flight period is a key identifier.
Description
A medium-sized, stout-bodied moth with yellowish-brown to reddish-brown forewings featuring distinct darker reniform and orbicular stigmata and wavy transverse lines, providing excellent camouflage against dead leaves.
