Lunar Yellow Underwing (Noctua orbona, (Hufnagel, 1766))

General Information
This is a species that is in decline and which has now disappeared from many of its former haunts.

Pupates in loose soil.
Overwinters as Overwinters as a larva.
Both sexes come to light.

Forewing length: 17-20mm.
Foodplant(s): Sheep's-fescue (Festuca ovina), Wavy Hair-grass (Deschampsia flexuosa), Cock's-foot (Dactylis glomerata), Common Couch (Elytrigia repens), Reed Canary-grass (Phalaris arundinacea), Meadow Buttercup (Ranunculus acris), grasses, small herbaceous plants
Flying: One generation, late June-September
UK Presence: Resident
National status: Nationally Scarce B

Habitat

Dry, sandy grassland, woodland and open situations.

Regional Information

Recorded in 3 (1.1%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in July 2024

Recorded date range (Adult): 03 June to 15 July

Similar Species

Great Staughton

Large Yellow Underwing Noctua pronuba

Great Staughton

Lesser Yellow Underwing Noctua comes

2108 (ABH73.344) Lunar Yellow Underwing Noctua orbona, (Hufnagel, 1766)

KR10097