ABH: 73.062
BF: 2297
Family: Noctuidae
Subfamily: Amphipyrinae
Taxon: Amphipyra pyramidea
Authority: (Linnaeus, 1758)
Vernacular: Copper Underwing
Account: Common in woodland, scrub, hedgerows, gardens and parks throughout much of England, Wales and southern Scotland It has been proved empirically that the only safe way of separating this species as an adult from the closely related Svensson's Copper Underwing A. berbera is to view the underside of the hindwings - for which see the comparative image in the photo gallery.
In pyramidea the underside of the hindwing's discal area is a pale straw yellow which contrasts with the orange-copper shading of the terminal area. In berbera this discal area is suffused orange-copper in the dorsal half which continues to the termen.
Please indicate when submitting records that this check has been performed.
Larva feeds on Hawthorn, Midland Hawthorn, Blackthorn, Crab Apple, Hazel, Honeysuckle and Downy Birch, over-wintering as an egg.
Updated: July 2019 (comparison between species)
Wingspan: 47 — 54 mm
Surrey Flight Period: 5 Jul (2001) — 5 Nov (2025)
Foodplant: Quercus sp. (an oak).
Status: Least Concern (LC)
UK BAP:
WCA:
Click here to view the full geology map of Surrey.
Verification Grade: 2 — Care needed to identify, an image may be required 🤔
Further Information: https://www.ukmoths.org.uk/species/amphipyra-pyramidea/
* Based on adult records only.
Records: 418
Individuals: 615
Earliest Year: 1970
Latest Year: 2025