| Lunar Underwing | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Lepidoptera |
| Family: | Noctuidae |
| Genus: | Omphaloscelis |
| Species: | O. lunosa |
| Binomial name | |
| Omphaloscelis lunosa Haworth, 1809 |
|
The Lunar Underwing (Omphaloscelis lunosa) is a moth of the family Noctuidae. It has a scattered distribution in western Europe and Scandinavia.
This is a variable species, the forewings ranging from pale buff to dark brown although the paler forms are generally more common. The forewings are usually marked with two dark stigmata and a black streak near the apex. The hindwings are whitish marked with dark patches which are rather fancifully likened to a lunar landscape. The wingspan is 32-38 mm. This moth flies at night from August to October [1] and is attracted to light and flowers.
The larva feeds on all parts of various grasses, overwintering in this form.