- Generally Common / Widespread
ID pointers: A large and variable species in colour but easy to distinguish. The forewing is usually greyish and heavily mottled with shades of grey, black and brown and pale cream. There is a bright whitish “W” along the trailing edge cross-line, edged with black arrow-head markings. The oval and kidney marks are large and faint but conspicuous and there is a black streak along the inner wing edge.
Distribution: A resident that is very common and widely distributed in Derbyshire. One of the most abundant species of moth to be seen and trapped in the county. Found in all areas. The dark melanic form aethiops is quite common.
Forewing: 19-26mm
IMAGES BELOW: Melbourne, Derbyshire – Tony Davison©