Noctuidae: Xyleninae

2360 (ABH73.128) Ear Moth Amphipoea oculea, (Linnaeus, 1761)

KR09828

 Photo © Barry Dickerson
Ear Moth
 Photo © Barry Dickerson
 pre-2000
 2000-2009
 2010-2019
 2020-onwards
Whitelye Moor, Gwent
Whitelye Moor, Gwent
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies


General Information

The 'Ear' moths, or Amphipoea species are so alike that it is not usually reliable to distinguish them without genital examination.

 

Pupates in loose soil.

Overwinters as Overwinters as an egg.
Both sexes come to light.
Often found feeding during day

Forewing length: 12-15mm.
Foodplant(s): Annual Meadow-grass (Poa annua), Tufted Hair-grass (Deschampsia cespitosa), Butterbur (Petasites hybridus), grasses
Flying: One generation, late July-September
UK Presence: Resident
National status: Common

Habitat

Grassland, heathland, fens and scrub.

Regional Information

Recorded in 28 (10.4%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in August 2022

Recorded date range (Adult): 26 June to 06 September

Similar Species
Great Staughton
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Six-striped Rustic Xestia sexstrigata
Ridsdale, Northumberland
Ridsdale, Northumberland
 Photo © Ian Fisher
Large Ear Amphipoea lucens
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Saltern Ear Amphipoea fucosa
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Crescent Helotropha leucostigma (=Celaena)


Larva/Leafmine:
Larva Type:
Wrinkled
Colours:
Grey, green, black, brown, orange
No. of Proleg Pairs:
5