Early Grey

The forewings are ash grey marbled with blackish-grey markings, although the ground colour can vary sometimes having a delicate pink flush.

The larvae can be found between April and June feeding at night on woody stems which then overwinter as pupae underground.

Size and Family

• Family – Sharks, shoulder-knots, chestnuts, sallows and allies (Noctuidae)
• Small Sized
• Wingspan Range – 30-36mm

Conservation Status

• UK BAP: Not listed
• Common

Caterpillar Food Plants

Wild Honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum) as well as cultivated varieties.

Habitat

Broadleaved woodland, scrub, hedgerows and gardens.

Distribution

• Countries – England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland
• Common and very well distributed throughout England north to the Humber, in parts of northern England, Wales, the Isle of Man and Ireland. Local in western, northern and central mainland Scotland. Widespread and abundant in the Channel Islands.