LESSER BROAD BORDERED YELLOW UNDERWING

ADULT: Wingspan 30 to 40mm. A very attractive moth with violet to purplish grey forewings that have darker crossbands and a brownish suffusion.The kidney spot and orbicular mark are outlined in white, sometimes this can be very vague. The hindwings are yellow-orange with a black band running across the basal area. LARVAE: The larvae are greenish to ochreus brown with a pale central line and a series of dashes along the back. The larvae feed on a variety of plants including Primrose, Lords and Ladies, White Dead Nettle, Dock plus young Sallow, Elm and Hawthron shoots. Best seen during June and July and again in September. BEHAVIOUR: Visits flowers during the night and is easily attracted to light. HABITAT: Frequently found in gardens, along hedgerows and within woodland. FLIGHT PERIOD: On the wing from July to September. STATUS: A common enough moth throughout the UK but more prevalent in the southern half.