Noctuidae: Xyleninae

2259 (ABH73.195) Dark Chestnut Conistra ligula, (Esper, 1791)

KR09601

Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
 pre-2000
 2000-2009
 2010-2019
 2020-onwards
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Hemingford Grey
Hemingford Grey
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Hemingford Grey, 24th December 2017. MV trap. Female., 1 of 2.
Hemingford Grey, 24th December 2017. MV trap. Female., 1 of 2.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Hemingford Grey, 24th December 2017. MV trap. Female., 2 of 2.
Hemingford Grey, 24th December 2017. MV trap. Female., 2 of 2.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Hemingford Grey, 17th Oct. 2020. Light trap.
Hemingford Grey, 17th Oct. 2020. Light trap.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Hemingford Grey, 15th Oct. 2020. Light trap. Male. 1 of 2.
Hemingford Grey, 15th Oct. 2020. Light trap. Male. 1 of 2.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Hemingford Grey, 15th Oct. 2020. Light trap. Male. 2 of 2.
Hemingford Grey, 15th Oct. 2020. Light trap. Male. 2 of 2.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Hemingford Grey, 20th Oct. 2020. Ligh
Hemingford Grey, 20th Oct. 2020. Ligh
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Hemingford Grey. Ex larva Populus nigra var italica coll. 04-2021.
Hemingford Grey. Ex larva Populus nigra var italica coll. 04-2021.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Hemingford Grey, early April 2020 on Rhmanus. Pic 28/4
Hemingford Grey, early April 2020 on Rhmanus. Pic 28/4
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Hemingford Grey, early April 2020 on Rhamnus. Pic 4/5
Hemingford Grey, early April 2020 on Rhamnus. Pic 4/5
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Hemingford Grey, early April 2020 on Rhamnus. Pic 6/5
Hemingford Grey, early April 2020 on Rhamnus. Pic 6/5
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Hemingford Grey, early April 2020 on Rhamnus. Pic 15/5
Hemingford Grey, early April 2020 on Rhamnus. Pic 15/5
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies


General Information

This species is similar, but less common than the Chestnut, C.vaccinii.

Overwinters as Overwinters as an adult.
Both sexes come to light but in small numbers only.

Forewing length: 13-15mm.
Foodplant(s): Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), hawthorns (Crataegus spp.), sallows (Salix spp.), oaks (Quercus spp.), docks (Rumex spp.)
Flying: One generation, October-February (hibernates)
UK Presence: Resident
National status: Common

Habitat

Woodland and open habitats and gardens.

Regional Information

Recorded in 54 (20%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in March 2025

Recorded date range (Adult): 01 January to 31 December

Similar Species
Great Staughton
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Chestnut Conistra vaccinii
Red-headed Chestnut Conistra erythrocephala


Adult:

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