Noctuidae: Xyleninae

2237 (ABH73.202) Grey Shoulder-knot Lithophane ornitopus, (Hufnagel, 1766)

KR09660

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
Monks Wood
Monks Wood
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Oct. 2008
Oct. 2008
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Hemingford Grey, 18th Dec. 2020. Light trap.
Hemingford Grey, 18th Dec. 2020. Light trap.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Monks Wood NNR. 19-10-2007. by light trap.
Monks Wood NNR. 19-10-2007. by light trap.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies


General Information

This species has a distinctive bold, black, antler-like mark at the base of the forewing.

Overwinters as Overwinters as an adult.
Both sexes readily come to light, sometimes in numbers.
Often found at rest during day

Forewing length: 17-19mm.
Foodplant(s): Pedunculate Oak (Quercus robur), Sessile Oak (Quercus petraea)
Flying: One generation, September-May (hibernates)
UK Presence: Resident
National status: Common

Habitat

Broadleaved woodland and parkland.

Regional Information

Recorded in 44 (16.3%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in December 2025

Recorded date range (Adult): 12 January to 29 December

Similar Species
Seghill, Northumberland
Seghill, Northumberland
 Photo © Ian Fisher
Grey Chi Antitype chi


Adult:

Larva/Leafmine:
Larva Type:
Smooth
Colours:
Green, blue, white
No. of Proleg Pairs:
5