COMMON LUTESTRING

ADULT: Wingspan 28-36mm.   A rather drab moth if the truth be told, with a range of variants.  The forewings are usually grey, each sporting a central dark spot towards the centre.  The darker form f. obscura is almost entirely grey-brown and is common across much of England. Some species have a paler band across the forewings too. LARVA: The pale dull greenish larvae are to be found from late July to early October.  These larvae are night feeders and rest between two leaves spun flat together during the day. They overwinter as pupae in a delicate cocoon between fallen leaves. BEHAVIOUR:  Attracted to light. HABITAT: Found in woodland or parkland or anywhere Birch is present. FLIGHT PERIOD: On the wing during June to August. STATUS: Resident and fairly common.