Noctuidae: Noctuinae

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

KR10097

Chippenham Fen. Photo: 20-06-2019.
Chippenham Fen. Photo: 20-06-2019.
 Photo © Malcolm Hillier
Chippenham Fen. Photo: 20-06-2019.
 Photo © Malcolm Hillier
 pre-2000
 2000-2009
 2010-2019
 2020-onwards
ex Weeting Heath (D Taylor), Norfolk. Photo 26-05-2020.
ex Weeting Heath (D Taylor), Norfolk. Photo 26-05-2020.
 Photo © Malcolm Hillier
Weeting Heath, Norfolk. Photo 25-05-2020.
Weeting Heath, Norfolk. Photo 25-05-2020.
 Photo © Malcolm Hillier
Weeting Heath, Norfolk. Photo 30-06-2019.
Weeting Heath, Norfolk. Photo 30-06-2019.
 Photo © Malcolm Hillier


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 2 (0.7%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in June 2023

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

Similar Species
Great Staughton
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Large Yellow Underwing Noctua pronuba
Great Staughton
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell

Nationally Scarce B

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