Photo ©2009 Dumi
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Broad–bordered Yellow Underwing - Noctua fimbriata
Family - Noctuidae
Photo ©2009 Dumi
Click photo for a larger image
A common stout moth species of woodland and similar areas in the UK, but less so in Scotland, also found in Europe, North Africa and the Turkish region of Europe. This species shows a marked sexual dimorphism, the males of this moth are generally a darker brown, whilst the females are an orangey–buff. They have a wingspan of 45–55mm (1.8–2.2in) with forewings of 22–27mm (0.9–1.1in). The forewing is mainly a greenish brown with an inner black line and outer sub–marginal lines, two large stigmata edged in white that can appear to be touching and a dark costal blotch before the sub–marginal line. The hindwings are orange with a wide black sub‑terminal band. There is one generation a year during July to August in broad–leaved woodland, parkland, open countryside, heathland and gardens.
Caterpillars grow to about 50mm (2in) long and feed on a variety of herbaceous plants and deciduous trees whilst the larvae feed on a range of shrubs and plants including , they then overwinter and pupate in soil during the spring emerging in June.
The Broad–bordered Yellow Underwing is part of the Noctuoidea superfamily which now comprises just over 11,000 species after reorganisation of the some 20,000 species that were originally in the group. Noctuidae are commonly known as Owlet moths, there are however only five Owlet moth species grouped in the Mesogona genus.
Agassiz #73.343, Bradley & Fletcher #2110
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