Dark Chestnut - Noctuidae - Conistra ligula
73.195 BF2259  – Dark Chestnut  – Conistra ligula  – (Esper, 1791)
Adult Macro:  CAT 1 – Distinctive species unlikely to be confused with others –      
PDF Icon – click for Adult Macro Verification Guidelines

Blue –  Generally Common / Widespread   
Taxonomy:   Macro  >>.  >>  Noctuidae  >> Xyleninae
ID Difficulty:  green  – easy to identify, generally distinctive and unlikely to be confused with other species.
ID pointers: The wing is pointed or slightly hooked at the tip. Ground colour rather shiny, being either a dark chestnut brown; blackish-brown; dark chocolate-brown.
Distribution:  A resident that is widely distributed and fairly common locally in Derbyshire. Found in all areas of the county but less common than the Chestnut. Largest populations are in the southern lowlands. Uncommon in the northern half of the county.
General Comment: None
Flight Period: September /  October /  November /  December –  On the wing September – December. Moth Activity: Nocturnal   – and is attracted to light Photographed: Yes –  Photographed By: Tony Davison  © All Rights Reserved
*** Last updated on 29 March 2026 by RP ***
Wingspan: 30-38mm
Forewing: 13-15mm
Food Plant: Blackthorn, hawthorn,sallows,oaksdocks and dandelions
Specific Recorded History Dates for Common [Blue code Blue-coded] moths is not displayed/updated in this tab. However, all verified records for this moth are listed in the RECORDS tab below.

Selected Images:  Melbourne, Derbyshire – Tony Davison©



Temporal Distribution Chart
Adults: (between 1959 - 2026)
(click legend below to show/hide datasets)
This chart summarises all available historical occurrence records collated by ISO week of the year. It reflects recorder effort and sampling distribution as well as true biological activity, and should be interpreted as an indicative pattern of seasonal occurrence rather than a statistically controlled abundance or phenology model.

Distribution Map for Conistra ligula

Found 138 records
    ↳ 1 from 2026+
    ↳ 45 from 2020 - 2025
    ↳ 92 from Before 2020
Flying
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

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Bedrock Geology ** indirectly affects moth distribution by influencing the type of habitat and food plants available in an area. In turn, this may affect the types of moths that can thrive, or where they can most likely be found.


NBN Atlas UK Distribution for – Conistra ligula

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Note – the NBN Atlas datasets are listed in the map below and vary in their currency (uptodateness) – however, the map does give a general indication of the moth's distribution across the UK.

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Monthly Records By Year: Conistra ligula
( data includes both Larvae and Adult Stages )

Monthly Counts By Year: Conistra ligula
( data is based on 'Adult' stage records only )

First/Last Recorded Dates: Conistra ligula
Adult-only & Anything [Larvae, Pupae, Adult, Mines]

Shading shows moth presence between dates

Click the colour discs below to Select/De-select as Required

Recordings By Year: Conistra ligula
( All data includes both Larvae and Adult Stages )
Annual Growth Rate (AGR): Conistra ligula
AGR: 3.06%   |   Total % Change: 100%

Hectad (10kmx10km) Coverage: Conistra ligula
( data includes both Larvae and Adult Stages )

Flight Periods – Indicative –vs– Recorded Data
Conistra ligula

Flight Period chart – the grey hatched area above, which can cross one or more months, pictorially represents the best guess we have for this moth's flight periods [month/s]. The coloured lines represent the actual months seen in flight, from site observation records received between 2020-2026.

Records Behind the Map and Charts - Conistra ligula – 138 records available

Listed by Year - descending - scroll across to see all table columns

Site Name Tetrad Date Count Stage Recorder Source RecordKey
Markham Vale North tip , Derbyshire SK47L 24/02/2026 2 adult Morris, Sid ( M.V. Trapping group ) vc57_irecords_extract iBRC50362956
Ilkeston, Derbyshire SK44K 06/12/2025 1 adult Hobby, Brian vc57_irecords_extract iBRC47556021
Inkersall garden SK47G 11/10/2025 2 adult Cambridge, Don vc57_irecords_extract iBRC45893761
Markham Vale Derbyshire SK47L 20/03/2025 2 adult Morris, Sid vc57_irecords_extract iBRC40475262
Shirland - Hallfieldgate Lane SK35Z 29/12/2024 1 adult Mahadevan, Nikki vc57_irecords_extract iBRC39772987
Findern, Derbyshire, DEAZ SK33A 10/11/2024 1 adult Hallam, Brian vc57_irecords_extract iBRC39935320
Inkersall garden SK47G 28/09/2024 1 adult Cambridge, Don vc57_irecords_extract iBRC38653823
Findern, Derbyshire, DEAZ SK33A 14/02/2024 1 adult Hallam, Brian vc57_irecords_extract iBRC39933878
Kirk Hallam, Ilkeston SK44K 17/12/2023 1 adult Hobby, Brian vc57_irecords_extract iBRC41042214
Shirland - Hallfieldgate Lane SK35Z 15/12/2023 1 Adult Mahadevan, Nikki vc57_irecords_extract iBRC34435678
Derbyshire Wild Life Trust Long Clough SK09G 18/11/2023 1 adult Heintzen, Christian vc57_irecords_extract iBRC36337711
Woodland Ave SK43R 21/10/2023 2 adult Thorpe, Steve vc57_irecords_extract iBRC34440040
Shirland - Hallfieldgate Lane SK35Z 13/10/2023 1 Adult Mahadevan, Nikki vc57_irecords_extract iBRC34435665
Allestree, Derby SK33P 10/10/2023 1 adult Plant, Stephen vc57_irecords_extract iBRC48420837
Belper SK34U 09/10/2023 1 adult Evans, Dave vc57_irecords_extract iBRC35303217
Kirk Hallam, Ilkeston SK44K 02/10/2023 1 adult Hobby, Brian vc57_irecords_extract iBRC48691201
Kirk Hallam, Ilkeston SK44K 12/03/2023 1 adult Hobby, Brian vc57_irecords_extract iBRC48690610
Lower Cromford Garden SK25Y 16/02/2023 2 adult Ashton, Clive vc57_irecords_extract iBRC34568615
Lower Cromford Garden SK25Y 10/02/2023 1 adult Ashton, Clive vc57_irecords_extract iBRC34568614
Hathersage, Derbyshire, UK SK28F 28/01/2023 2 adult Miles, Claire vc57_irecords_extract iBRC29261176
Derbyshire Wild Life Trust Long Clough SK09G 03/01/2023 1 adult Heintzen, Christian vc57_irecords_extract iBRC36335636
Derbyshire Wild Life Trust Long Clough SK09G 22/12/2022 2 adult Heintzen, Christian vc57_irecords_extract iBRC36335623
Hathersage, Derbyshire, UK SK28F 25/11/2022 1 adult Miles, Claire vc57_irecords_extract iBRC28802732
Hathersage, Derbyshire, UK SK28F 11/11/2022 1 adult Miles, Claire vc57_irecords_extract iBRC29124328
Glossop, The Twitchlings SK09K 08/11/2022 1 adult Heintzen, Christian vc57_irecords_extract iBRC36335547
Garden, Walton SK36U 29/10/2022 1 adult Palethorpe, Amanda vc57_irecords_extract iBRC41047023
Ninelands Road SK28F 27/10/2022 1 adult Blues, Clare vc57_irecords_extract iBRC28559238
Kirk Hallam, Ilkeston SK44K 16/10/2022 2 adult Hobby, Brian vc57_irecords_extract iBRC41046312
DRONFIELD WOODHOUSE SK37J 06/10/2022 1 adult Williamson, Andy vc57_irecords_extract iBRC46553287
Ferneydale Avenue SK07Q 27/03/2022 1 adult Wakefield, Rowan vc57_irecords_extract iBRC34939268
Allestree, Derby SK33P 03/02/2022 1 adult Plant, Stephen vc57_irecords_extract iBRC46916294
DRONFIELD WOODHOUSE SK37J 19/10/2021 1 adult Williamson, Andy vc57_irecords_extract iBRC45823555
DRONFIELD WOODHOUSE SK37J 18/10/2021 1 adult Williamson, Andy vc57_irecords_extract iBRC45823567
Briar Close, Newhall, Swadlincote SK22V 10/10/2021 1 adult PEACH, Mr K. Danes_2019-2021 7
DRONFIELD WOODHOUSE SK37J 22/12/2020 1 adult Williamson, Andy vc57_irecords_extract iBRC45777226
DRONFIELD WOODHOUSE SK37J 28/11/2020 1 adult Williamson, Andy vc57_irecords_extract iBRC45777339
DRONFIELD WOODHOUSE SK37J 27/11/2020 1 adult Williamson, Andy vc57_irecords_extract iBRC45777342
Kirk Hallam, Ilkeston SK44K 25/11/2020 1 adult Hobby, Brian vc57_irecords_extract iBRC41040727
DRONFIELD WOODHOUSE SK37J 21/11/2020 1 adult Williamson, Andy vc57_irecords_extract iBRC45777523
DRONFIELD WOODHOUSE SK37J 20/11/2020 1 adult Williamson, Andy vc57_irecords_extract iBRC45777516
Findern, Derbyshire, DEAZ SK33A 08/11/2020 1 adult Brian and Jean Hallam vc57_irecords_extract iBRC35164438
Long Eaton - Marlborough Road SK43X 23/10/2020 1 Adult Bryce, Marion vc57_irecords_extract iBRC34618847
DRONFIELD WOODHOUSE SK37J 22/10/2020 1 adult Williamson, Andy vc57_irecords_extract iBRC45784628
Kirk Hallam, Ilkeston SK44K 21/10/2020 1 adult Hobby, Brian vc57_irecords_extract iBRC41040697
Hathersage, Derbyshire, UK SK28F 16/03/2020 1 adult Miles, Claire vc57_irecords_extract iBRC13104255
Hathersage, Derbyshire, UK SK28F 07/03/2020 1 adult Miles, Claire vc57_irecords_extract iBRC13104327
Pleasley Pit CP, Pleasley SK46X 26/10/2019 1 Adult B.J.N. Hill vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WP36W
Pleasley Pit CP, Pleasley SK46X 26/10/2019 1 adult HILL, Mr B.J.N. Danes_2019-2021 865
Norton Lees SK38L 27/02/2019 1 adult MELLA, Mr P.J. Danes_2019-2021 1695
Pleasley Pit CP, Pleasley SK46X 09/12/2016 1 Adult B.J.N. Hill vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WP7LF
Hillside, Findern, Derby SK33A 23/09/2016 1 Adult Hallam, Brian vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WP7JB
Welbeck Drive,Wingerworth SK36T 07/11/2015 1 Adult B.J.N. Hill vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WPYR5
Ladycroft Ave SK07S 21/03/2015 1 adult Orridge, Steve vc57_irecords_extract iBRC48845441
Ladycroft Ave SK07S 31/10/2014 1 adult Orridge, Steve vc57_irecords_extract iBRC41013637
DRONFIELD WOODHOUSE SK37J 25/10/2014 1 adult Williamson, Andy vc57_irecords_extract iBRC45526373
Wood Lane,Newhall,Swadlincote SK22V 11/10/2014 1 Adult Dave Budworth vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OLEZC
Wood Lane, Newhall, Swadlincote SK22V 11/10/2014 1 Adult Dave Budworth vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WOURT
The Hollies,Holly St,Stapenhill,Burton on Trent SK22K 29/11/2013 1 Adult P. Patrick vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OKC0K
School Close,Parkway Gardens,Darley Dale SK26R 19/10/2013 1 Adult A. Butler vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WQ4MM
Lancaster Ave,Sandiacre SK43S 18/10/2013 1 Adult I.M. Viles vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OKC03
Duffield Rd, Allestree, Derby SK34K 28/12/2012 1 Adult P. Smith vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WPDZ6
Duffield Rd, Allestree, Derby SK34K 28/03/2012 2 Adult P. Smith vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WOYAC
The Hollies,Station Rd,Darley Dale SK26R 27/02/2012 1 Adult Roddis, Simon vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OL5AG
The Hollies,Station Rd,Darley Dale SK26R 08/01/2012 1 Adult Roddis, Simon vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OJTYZ
Lancaster Ave,Sandiacre SK43S 30/10/2011 1 Adult I.M. Viles vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OJTYV
Fox Lane,Millthorpe,Holmesfield SK37D 17/10/2011 1 Adult D.A. Clarke vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OL56O
Spinney Hill,Melbourne SK32X 13/10/2011 1 Adult Davison, Tony vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OL54X
Melbourne, Derbyshire SK32X 12/10/2011 1 adult Davison, Tony vc57_irecords_extract iBRC33086298
The Hollies,Station Rd,Darley Dale SK26R 29/09/2011 1 Adult Roddis, Simon vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OL4TM
The Hollies,Station Rd,Darley Dale SK26R 16/01/2011 1 Adult Roddis, Simon vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OJQYM
Lowes Hill,Ripley SK35V 14/10/2010 1 Adult R.A. Wain vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OK5DL
Calke Park Estate bottom of Fishermans carpark SK32R 08/10/2010 1 adult Finch, Graham Leonard vc57_irecords_extract iBRC35105632
Calke Park,Ticknall SK32R 08/10/2010 1 Adult Finch, Graham Leonard vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OKYAQ
Rose Av,Clowne SK57D 04/10/2010 1 Adult D. Hursthouse vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OKY81
Rose Av,Clowne SK57D 03/10/2010 1 Adult D. Hursthouse vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OJQUQ
Littlewood,Barber Booth,Edale SK18C 25/04/2010 1 Adult J.A. Bower vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OJNRI
Dronfield Woodhouse SK37J 09/04/2010 2 adult Williamson, Andy vc57_irecords_extract iBRC45355768
Dronfield Woodhouse SK37J 08/04/2010 1 adult Williamson, Andy vc57_irecords_extract iBRC45355750
The Hollies,Station Rd,Darley Dale SK26R 17/03/2010 1 Adult Roddis, Simon vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OJNMN
The Hollies,Station Rd,Darley Dale SK26R 10/11/2009 1 Adult Roddis, Simon vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OKFNN
Drayton Ave,Mackworth,Derby SK33D 21/10/2009 1 Adult W. Hurst vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OKQZ7
Dronfield Woodhouse SK37J 17/10/2009 1 adult Williamson, Andy vc57_irecords_extract iBRC45354849
Lowes Hill,Ripley SK35V 14/11/2008 1 Adult R.A. Wain vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OK0WG
Fox Lane,Millthorpe SK37D 13/11/2008 2 Adult D.A. Clarke vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OK0W4
Fox Lane,Millthorpe SK37D 12/11/2008 2 Adult D.A. Clarke vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OKF7R
Fox Lane,Millthorpe SK37D 10/11/2008 2 Adult D.A. Clarke vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OKF7L
Fox Lane,Millthorpe SK37D 03/11/2008 1 Adult D.A. Clarke vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OKF6X
Far Lane, Wilday Green, Barlow SK37H 31/10/2008 1 Adult D.A. Clarke vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OJLCN
Conksbury Bridge, Over Haddon, Bakewell SK26C 10/10/2008 2 Adult D.A. Clarke vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OJLBY
Bakewell (Shutts Lane) SK26D 06/10/2008 2 Adult D.A. Clarke vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OKMC9
Church St,Holloway,Matlock SK35I 18/10/2006 1 Adult F. Harrison vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OI99E
The Hollies,Station Rd,Darley Dale SK26R 13/10/2006 1 Adult Roddis, Simon vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OHUSX
Church St,Holloway,Matlock SK35I 28/09/2006 1 Adult F. Harrison vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OHUQH
The Field,Shipley,Ilkeston SK44M 25/06/2006 1 Adult T. Duro vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OHT4P
Lings Close,Ilkeston SK44S 04/01/2006 1 Adult T. Duro vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WQ1Z2
Briar Close,Newhall,Swadlincote SK22V 22/10/2005 1 Adult K. Peach vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OJBAC
The Hollies,Station Rd,Darley Dale SK26R 03/11/2003 1 Adult Roddis, Simon vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OI4ZP
Wilmot St, Sawley, Long Eaton SK43R 24/09/1998 1 Adult A. Braddock vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OI3FO
The Field,Shipley,Ilkeston SK44M 12/10/1995 1 Adult T. Duro vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WONKH
Cross Green Cottages,Flint Lane,South Darley SK26Q 26/10/1992 1 Adult R. Hawksworth vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OI1NA
Lang Rd, Alvaston, Derby SK33R 17/10/1992 1 Adult VC57 Derbyshire Recorder vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OI1N1
Deerlands Rd, Ashgate, Chesterfield SK37K 20/10/1991 1 Adult B. Elliott vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WPEDZ
Deerlands Rd, Ashgate, Chesterfield SK37K 25/09/1989 1 Adult B. Elliott vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WPX2K
Johnnygate, Barlow, Chesterfield SK37C 10/12/1988 1 Adult R.T. Doncaster vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WPWY1
Johnnygate, Barlow, Chesterfield SK37C 12/11/1988 1 Adult R.T. Doncaster vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WORRY
Johnnygate, Barlow, Chesterfield SK37C 29/10/1988 1 Adult R.T. Doncaster vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WORRE
Johnnygate, Barlow, Chesterfield SK37C 22/10/1988 1 Adult R.T. Doncaster vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WPWXC
Deerlands Rd, Ashgate, Chesterfield SK37K 19/10/1988 1 Adult B. Elliott vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WPWX2
Johnnygate, Barlow, Chesterfield SK37C 15/10/1988 1 Adult R.T. Doncaster vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WPWWR
Johnnygate, Barlow, Chesterfield SK37C 08/10/1988 1 Adult R.T. Doncaster vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WON5K
Shardlow Hall, Shardlow, Long Eaton SK43F 20/10/1985 1 Adult R.H. Dumelow vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WQ3Y8
Shardlow Hall, Shardlow, Long Eaton SK43F 19/10/1985 1 Adult R.H. Dumelow vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WQ3Y7
Shardlow Hall, Shardlow, Long Eaton SK43F 05/10/1985 1 Adult R.H. Dumelow vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WOS00
Shardlow Hall, Shardlow, Long Eaton SK43F 21/11/1984 1 Adult R.H. Dumelow vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WPV2W
Shardlow Hall, Shardlow, Long Eaton SK43F 28/10/1984 1 Adult R.H. Dumelow vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WPV2P
Threepieces, Veron Lane, Kelstedge, Ashover SK36G 20/10/1984 1 Adult VC57 Derbyshire Recorder vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OHJ2W
Shardlow Hall, Shardlow, Long Eaton SK43F 16/10/1984 1 Adult R.H. Dumelow vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WPV2B
Shardlow Hall, Shardlow, Long Eaton SK43F 25/12/1983 1 Adult R.H. Dumelow vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WQ3SA
Shardlow Hall, Shardlow, Long Eaton SK43F 06/11/1983 1 Adult R.H. Dumelow vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WQ3S4
Shardlow Hall, Shardlow, Long Eaton SK43F 08/10/1983 2 Adult R.H. Dumelow vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WQ3RP
Shardlow Hall, Shardlow, Long Eaton SK43F 02/10/1983 1 Adult R.H. Dumelow vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WQ3RF
Shardlow Hall, Shardlow, Long Eaton SK43F 24/12/1982 1 Adult R.H. Dumelow vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WPUY8
Askew Grove, Repton SK32D 02/10/1981 1 Adult D.A. Young vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OHHOY
Shardlow Hall, Shardlow, Long Eaton SK43F 23/11/1980 1 Adult R.H. Dumelow vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WP10B
Shardlow Hall, Shardlow, Long Eaton SK43F 27/10/1980 1 Adult R.H. Dumelow vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WP107
Shardlow Hall, Shardlow, Long Eaton SK43F 07/12/1979 2 Adult A. Dick vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WPUPI
Shardlow Hall, Shardlow, Long Eaton SK43F 09/10/1979 1 Adult A. Dick vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WOZAZ
Field Close, Hilton, Burton on Trent SK23K 23/10/1977 1 Adult VC57 Derbyshire Recorder vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OHX6D
Field Close, Hilton, Burton on Trent SK23K 21/10/1977 3 Adult VC57 Derbyshire Recorder vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OHX63
Field Close, Hilton, Burton on Trent SK23K 19/10/1977 1 Adult VC57 Derbyshire Recorder vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OIKW6
Shardlow Hall, Shardlow, Long Eaton SK43F 18/10/1977 1 Adult A. Dick vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WORDV
Shardlow Hall, Shardlow, Long Eaton SK43F 16/10/1977 1 Adult A. Dick vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WORDN
Shardlow Hall, Shardlow, Long Eaton SK43F 08/10/1977 1 Adult A. Dick vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WORD8
Field Close, Hilton, Burton on Trent SK23K 23/01/1977 1 Adult VC57 Derbyshire Recorder vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OHFVL
Askew Grove, Repton SK32D 23/10/1975 1 Adult D.A. Young vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OHFM0
Newbold Drive, Chesterfield SK37R 01/11/1967 1 Adult VC57 Derbyshire Recorder vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OIHHW
Newbold Drive, Chesterfield SK37R 30/09/1965 1 Adult VC57 Derbyshire Recorder vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OIHDA
Newbold Ave, Chesterfield SK37R 02/09/1959 1 Adult VC57 Derbyshire Recorder vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OIGFV

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