Noctuidae

73.344 Lunar Yellow Underwing Noctua orbona (Hufnagel, 1766)

Notable B

Similar species: Large Yellow Underwing Noctua pronuba also has the black dash on the leading edge near the wing tip, but is larger (21 to 26mm) and has a narrower forewing. Lesser Yellow Underwing Noctua comes is of a similar size (16 to 21mm), but lacks the black dash on the leading edge near the tip of the forewing.

Forewing: 17 to 20mm

Habitats: Coastal and inland sites on dry sandy heathland, nutrient poor calcareous grassland and open woodland.

Habits: The moth nectars at the flowers of Heather. It is attracted to sugar and light.

Foodplant: The nocturnal larva feeds on Sheep's-fescue, Wavy Hair-grass, Reed Canary-grass, Cock's-foot, Common Couch, Meadow Buttercup, Creeping Cinquefoil, Cowslip, Common Chickweed and other low growing plants and grasses. It pupates in a flimsy cocoon under the soil.