Straw Underwing
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| Thalpophila matura Hufnagel, 1766 |
The Straw Underwing (Thalpophila matura) is a moth of the family Noctuidae. It is distributed throughout Europe.
This species has a wingspan of 38-46 mm. The forewings are dark brown, often variegated with paler and reddish patches and usually with prominent whitish postterminal fascia. The hindwings are very distinctive, pale straw-coloured with a broad blackish band at the margin. This moth flies at night in July and August and is attracted to light, sugar and various nectar-rich flowers.
The larva, brown with dark markings on the back, feeds on various grasses such as Dactylis. This species overwinters as a small larva.
- ↑ The flight season refers to the British Isles. This may vary in other parts of the range.
[edit] References
- Chinery, Michael Collins Guide to the Insects of Britain and Western Europe 1986 (Reprinted 1991)
- Skinner, Bernard Colour Identification Guide to Moths of the British Isles 1984
