73.114 BF2305 - Small Angle Shades - Noctuidae - Euplexia lucipara

73.114 BF2305 - Noctuidae - Xyleninae - Euplexia lucipara - Small Angle Shades

Adult Macro: CAT 2 - Can be confused with other species -

- click for Adult Macro Verification Guidelines

- Generally Common / Widespread

Taxonomy: Macro >> Noctuidae

ID Difficulty: amber

- care required in the identification process, as confusion with similar species is likely - quality photographs required.
Confusion Species: Angle Shades

ID pointers: A small and unmistakable moth, sharing a similar resting posture to Angle Shades. When fully at rest the wings crease and are held horizontally. The main feature is the gold-yellow kidney mark that contrasts against a broad purplish-black central cross-band, that borders with a pinkish-brown outer cross-band. The patterning is quite striking.

Distribution: A resident that is widely distributed and generally common in Derbyshire. Found in all areas of the county where the food plant, Bracken (Pteridium aquilinum), is found. Largest densities are found in the lowlands of the Trent Valley.

Flight Period: June / July / August / - On the wing June – August.

Moth Activity: Nocturnal - and is attracted to light

Wingspan: 27-32mm
Forewing: 14-17mm

Food Plant: Bracken (Pteridium aquilinum).

Recorded dates for Common [Blue-coded ] moths are not stored on the website at this current time.

Small Angle Shades – Euplexia lucipara