73.342 BF2107

Large Yellow Underwing Noctua pronuba

(Linnaeus, 1758)

Wingspan 45-55 mm.

Possibly the most abundant of our larger moths, this species can be found throughout Britain, and numbers are often enhanced by large migratory influxes in the south.

It exhibits a wide range of colour forms and patterns, although the yellow hindwings bordered with black remain pretty constant.

It flies from July to September and is freely attracted to light; often hundreds arriving at the moth-trap in peak season. Occupying a range of habitats, the caterpillars feed on a variety of herbaceous plants and grasses.