Noctuidae: Acronictinae

2278 (ABH73.046) Poplar Grey Subacronicta megacephala (=Acronicta), ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)

KR08780

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
Hemingford Grey, 20-05-2013
Hemingford Grey, 20-05-2013
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Monks Wood, July 2005
Monks Wood, July 2005
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Hemingford Grey, 15th June 2020. Light trap.
Hemingford Grey, 15th June 2020. Light trap.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Just prior to pupation, Great Staughton
Just prior to pupation, Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Great Staughton
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Great Staughton
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Early Instar from Black Poplar, Great Staughton
Early Instar from Black Poplar, Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Norfolk. Full-grown.
Norfolk. Full-grown.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Hemingford Grey, 17th July 2020. L5 (plus shed skin) torchlight at night
Hemingford Grey, 17th July 2020. L5 (plus shed skin) torchlight at night
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies


General Information

This is one of several powdery-looking greyish moths which can be difficult to distinguish. However, this species has a distinctly round whitish orbicular stigma with a darker centre and whitish hindwings.

 

Pupates in a crevice, usually in tree-bark.

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

Forewing length: 17-20mm.
Foodplant(s): poplars (Populus spp.), Aspen (Populus tremula), willows (Salix spp.)
Flying: One generation, May-early August
UK Presence: Resident
National status: Common

Habitat

Woodland, fens, heathland, scrub, grassland and gardens.

Regional Information

Recorded in 110 (40.7%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in September 2021

Recorded date range (Adult): 20 April to 27 September

Recorded date range (Larva/Leafmine): 02 July to 29 August

Similar Species
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Sycamore Acronicta aceris
Great Staughton
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Knot Grass Acronicta rumicis
Carmarthenshire
Carmarthenshire
 Photo © Martin Lovell
Coronet Craniophora ligustri


Larva/Leafmine:
Larva Type:
Hairy
Colours:
orange, white, black
No. of Proleg Pairs:
5