An unmistakeable moth with broad, glossy black wings and a large conspicuous white kidney mark.

The larvae can be seen from August to October feeding both at day and night, resting on the foodplant. They overwinter underground as pupae.

Size and Family

  • Family – Brocades, Quakers and leaf-eating wainscots (Noctuidae)
  • Medium-sized
  • Wingspan Range – 32-42mm

Conservation Status

  • UK BAP: Priority species (Research only)
  • Common

Caterpillar Food Plants

A wide range of wild and cultivated herbaceous plants including Common Nettle (Urtica dioica), Hop (Humulus lupulus), Field Bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis), Broad-leaved Dock (Rumex obtusifolius), Groundsel (Senecio vulgaris), White Clover (Trifolium repens), Black Currant (Ribes nigrum), Ivy (Hedera helix), Hazel (Corylus avellana), Elder (Sambucus nigra) and willows. 

Habitat

Gardens and hedgerows and a wide range of open and wooded habitats.

Distribution

  • Countries – England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland
  • Common and widespread in southern Britain and the southern half of Ireland. More local in northern England and southern Scotland. Local on the Isle of Man. Widespread and frequent in the Channel Islands.
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