The Old Lady
Common NameThe Old Lady
Scientific NameDysgonia senex
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyErebinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Primary Colorsdark brown, black, grey, white
HabitatWoodlands, forests, parks, gardens
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia
Host PlantsSalix, Populus, Quercus
Flight PeriodJune to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are stout, greyish-brown, and feed on the leaves of various deciduous trees and shrubs. Pupation occurs in a cocoon in the soil or leaf litter.
Identification TipsKey features include the broad, irregular pale band on the forewings, which contrasts sharply with the darker ground color, and the overall cryptic pattern resembling bark or dead leaves.
Description
A medium-sized moth characterized by its mottled dark brown and black forewings, featuring a prominent, irregular pale grey to white band across the middle and a wavy subterminal line. The hindwings are generally darker.
