Noctuidae

73.193 Lunar Underwing Anchoscelis lunosa (Haworth, 1809)

Common

Similar species: Beaded Chestnut Agrochola lychnidis has a less rounded forewing, the outer central cross-line is wavy rather than smooth and the kidney mark is usually narrower. The hindwing is grey without blotches along the margin. Brown-spot Pinion Agrochola litura has a short black cross-line at the base of the forewing and the marks along the leading edge are black rather than dark brown. The oval is larger, broader and less elongate and the kidney mark is larger.

Forewing: 14 to 17mm

Habitats: Calcareous downland, damp grassland, grassy woodland clearings and gardens.

Habits: The moth visits over-ripe blackberries and Ivy blossom. It is attracted to light and sugar.

Foodplant: The larva feeds nocturnally on grasses such as Annual Meadow-grass and Yorkshire Fog and hides low in the grass during the day. The full-fed larva constructs a soil-covered cocoon under the earth where it pupates.