Noctuidae: Xyleninae

2270 (ABH73.193) Lunar Underwing Omphaloscelis lunosa, (Haworth, 1809)

KR09591

Great Staughton
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
 pre-2000
 2000-2009
 2010-2019
 2020-onwards
Great Staughton
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Great Staughton
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Great Staughton
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
 Photo © Barry Dickerson
Great Staughton
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Hemingford Grey
Hemingford Grey
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Hemingford Grey, Sept. 2004
Hemingford Grey, Sept. 2004
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths


General Information

This is a highly variable species, with individuals ranging from yellowish orange to dark brown.

 

Pupates in loose soil.

Overwinters as Overwinters as a larva.
Both sexes readily come to light, sometimes in numbers.

Forewing length: 14-17mm.
Foodplant(s): Annual Meadow-grass (Poa annua), Yorkshire-fog (Holcus lanatus), grasses
Flying: One generation, late August-mid October
UK Presence: Resident
National status: Common

Habitat

Grassland, heathland, other grassy areas and gardens.

Regional Information

Recorded in 117 (43.3%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in October 2023

Recorded date range (Adult): 23 August to 20 November

Similar Species
Great Staughton
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Beaded Chestnut Agrochola lychnidis


Larva/Leafmine:
Larva Type:
Wrinkled
Colours:
Brown, grey, white, black
No. of Proleg Pairs:
5