ABH: 73.344
BF: 2108
Family: Noctuidae
Subfamily: Noctuinae
Taxon: Noctua orbona
Authority: (Hufnagel, 1766)
Vernacular: Lunar Yellow Underwing
Account: Nationally scarce (Nb) in dry sandy areas, heaths and open woodland, discontinuously in parts of Britain, greatly declined, a priority species under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan Distinguished from Lesser Yellow Underwing N. comes by its narrower forewing and straighter costa, and by the presence of a black mark towards the apex. Distinguished from small examples of Large Yellow Underwing N. pronuba by the presence of a curved discal spot on the hindwing which gives this species its vernacular name.
Please note that no records of this species from new sites outside of established colonies at Cholderton and Porton Down will be accepted without photographic evidence of the hindwing
Larva feeds on various grasses and herbaceous plants, including Sheep's-fescue, Wavy Hair-grass, Cock's-foot, Common Couch, Reed Canary-grass, Meadow Buttercup, Creeping Cinquefoil, Cowslip and Chickweed.
Wingspan: 38 — 45 mm
Surrey Flight Period: 2 Aug (1950) — 22 Sep (2025)
Foodplant: Gramineae, Polyphagous.
Status: Least Concern (LC)
UK BAP: BAP
WCA:
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Verification Grade: 2 — Care needed to identify, an image may be required 🤔
Further Information: https://www.ukmoths.org.uk/species/noctua-orbona/
* Based on adult records only.
Records: 2
Individuals: 1
Earliest Year: 1950
Latest Year: 2025