Noctuidae

73.063 Svensson's Copper Underwing Amphipyra berbera Rungs, 1949

Common

Similar species: Copper Underwing Amphipyra pyramidea has the copper marking on the underside of the hindwing stopping at the the dark band and not extending inside along the trailing edge. The area inside this band has less speckling and is lighter than the same area on the underside of the hindwing of Svensson's Copper Underwing. The inner crossline forms two 'V' marks on the trailing edge of the forewing. The trailing edge 'V' is equal or shorter than the other, not longer as in Svensson's Copper Underwing. The palps of the dark form of Copper Underwing have a few light scales on them, but these may be removed with wear, so comparing these with the dark palps of Svensson's Copper Underwing is not a reliable way of separating the species.

Forewing: 21 to 26mm

Habitats: Deciduous woodland, parkland, scrub, hedgerows, amenity planting and gardens.

Habits: The moth is sometimes found during the day sheltering communally in hollow trees or behind loose bark. It comes to sugar and light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds on Pedunculate Oak, Hornbeam, willows, sallows, birches, Rhododendron, Honeysuckle, limes and other deciduous trees and shrubs. It pupates under the soil.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on Sycamore, Rowan, Aspen, polars and Lilac.