Agrochola circellaris (Hufnagel, 1766)

Description: Wingspan 34-44 mm. Adult colouration can vary between individuals. Forewings are usually reddish brown with darker antemedian and post median lines. The subterminal line is irregular and dark reddish brown. The reniform stigmata is darker and reduced to a small dark discal spot. Hindwings are fuscous with a small discal spot and pale buff fringe.

Key Identification Features:

• Dark reddish brown subterminal line and discal spot in centre of forewing
• Dark fuscous hindwings with small discal spot

Sets:

Flight Period: End of August to early November.

Status: Widespread throughout north Armagh and Down but much more local in other counties. There have been no recent records north of Lough Neagh.

Ecology: An autumnal species found mainly in deciduous woodland and old estates. Adults appear at light in very small numbers. It has also been documented that they often visit Ivy Hedera helix blossom and overripe berries. Adults have never been found by day in N. Ireland but they probably conceal themselves among ground vegetation. The larvae feed from April to June on Wych Elm Ulmus glabra, poplar Populus spp. and Ash Fraxinus excelsior. It overwinters as an egg.

World Distribution: Throughout western Europe to central Scandinavia and Finland.

Bradley & Fletcher number: 2262 Agassiz number: 73.192

Additional information:

UK Moths account

Caterpillar: