Yellow Underwing
Common NameYellow Underwing
Scientific NameNoctua pronuba
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyNoctuinae
Wingspan (mm)50
Primary Colorsbrown, yellow, black
HabitatGardens, grasslands, woodlands, agricultural areas
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, Asia, introduced to North America
Host Plantsgrasses, dandelion, plantain, clover, lettuce
Flight PeriodJune to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are polyphagous cutworms, feeding on a wide variety of plants at night. Pupation occurs in the soil, typically yielding one or two generations per year.
Identification TipsLook for the drab, cryptic forewings that conceal vibrant yellow hindwings with a broad black band, which are revealed when the moth is disturbed or in flight.
Description
A medium-sized moth characterized by its mottled brown or grey forewings and contrasting bright yellow hindwings marked with a prominent black subterminal band.
