White Colon
Common NameWhite Colon
Scientific NameSideridis albicolon
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyHadeninae
Wingspan (mm)38
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, white, black
HabitatSandy heaths, coastal dunes, open woodlands, gardens
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia Minor
Host Plantsvarious grasses, dandelion, plantain
Flight PeriodMay to July
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on various low-growing plants, particularly grasses, and overwinter as pupae in the soil. Adults are nocturnal.
Identification TipsLook for the mottled grey-brown forewings and the distinctive pale or whitish kidney-shaped stigma, which gives it its common name. The overall cryptic coloration helps it blend with bark or dead leaves.
Description
A medium-sized moth with cryptically patterned grey-brown forewings, characterized by a prominent, often whitish, kidney-shaped stigma (the 'colon' mark) and dark markings.
