Toadflax Brocade Moth
Common NameToadflax Brocade Moth
Scientific NameCalophasia lunula
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyHadeninae
Wingspan (mm)31.5
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, white, dark grey
HabitatDry, open areas, chalk grasslands, waste ground, gardens, disturbed habitats
Geographic RangeNative to Europe, North Africa, and temperate Asia; introduced to North America (Canada, USA)
Host Plantscommon toadflax (*Linaria vulgaris*), purple toadflax (*Linaria purpurea*), other *Linaria* species
Flight PeriodMay to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on toadflax host plants. Larvae are strikingly patterned with yellow and black stripes, feeding on the leaves and flowers. Pupation occurs in a cocoon in the soil or leaf litter.
Identification TipsLook for the unique mottled brown and white forewing pattern with a dark central mark and a clear white subterminal line. The distinctive striped yellow and black larvae on toadflax plants are also a key identifier.
Description
A medium-sized moth with forewings cryptically patterned in shades of brown, white, and dark grey, featuring a distinctive dark central marking and a prominent white subterminal line.
