73.188 BF2265 - Flounced Chestnut - Noctuidae - Agrochola helvola

73.188 BF2265 - Noctuidae - Xyleninae - Agrochola helvola - Flounced Chestnut

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

- click for Adult Macro Verification Guidelines

- Rare / Uncommon / Scarce

Taxonomy: Macro >> Noctuidae

ID Difficulty: amber

- care required in the identification process, as confusion with similar species is likely - quality photographs required.

ID pointers: A typical autumn coloured moth. Diagnostic features are broad, pointed forewing, softly marked with a wide dark reddish-brown or purplish- brown band at the base and a slightly narrower one near outer margin. A dark reddish-brown wavy central cross line.

Distribution: (Last record: 02/10/2024 at Darwin Forest ) - A resident in Derbyshire that appears to have become very scarce in recent years with few records despite once being widely distributed. A species of deciduous woodland where its principal colonies are located.

Flight Period: September / October / - September – October – one generation

Moth Activity: Nocturnal - is attracted to light and sugar

Wingspan: 30-35mm
Forewing: 16-18mm

Food Plant: A variety of broad-leaved trees. Also Heather and bilberry.(Calluna).

Last Recorded Date: 02/10/2024

Last Recorded By: Dave Evans

Last Recorded General Area: Darwin Forest

No First Date Information Recorded

IMAGES BELOW: Melbourne – Tony Davison© / Darwin Forest – Dave Evans© / Glossop – Christian Heintzen©