Angle Shades

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Angle Shades

Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Noctuidae
Genus: Phlogophora
Species: P. meticulosa
Binomial name
Phlogophora meticulosa
Linnaeus, 1758

The Angle Shades (Phlogophora meticulosa) is a moth of the family Noctuidae. It is a common and familiar European species and is often strongly migratory.

This species has a wingspan of 45-52 mm and the forewings are very distinctively shaped with a sharply pointed apex. The common name is derived from the characteristic markings on the forewings: the base colour is buffish, brown towards the termen, and is marked with a bold v-shaped pink and green marking. Despite this bright colouring, the angular markings provide excellent camouflage against foliage. The hindwings are whitish with darker venation. Two broods are produced each year, and in the British Isles, the adults are on the wing from May to October [1]. This moth flies mainly at night and is attracted to light and sugar. It may often be seen during the day at rest on fences and garden foliage.

The larva is green or brown with reddish spots along the sides and faint dark chevrons along the back. It feeds on a wide variety of plants (see list below). This species overwinters as a larva.

There is a similar related moth called the Small Angle Shades, Euplexia lucipara.

[edit] Recorded food plants

[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
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