Agrochola macilenta (Hubner, 1809)

Description: Wingspan 32-36 mm. Forewings range in colour from light to dark reddish brown. Antemedian and postmedian lines reduced to small dark dots. The subterminal line is fairly straight, paler than ground colour and outlined with a small fine reddish line. Stigmata not well defined, but a small dark spot is normally visible in the median area of the forewing. Hindwings are dark fuscous with a small discal spot and pale buff fringe.

Similar Species: The Brick A. circellaris, which does not have the oblique mark on the costa near the apex of the forewing.

Key Identification Features:

• Small dark dots on forewings
• Fine red subterminal line
• Dark hindwings with a small discal spot and pale fringe

Sets:

Flight Period: Late September to the end of November.

Status: Similar in distribution and flight period to the Red-line Quaker A. lota. Commonly encountered in the south and east, with a several well-scattered sites in Fermanagh. Apparently absent north of Lough Neagh, despite presence of suitable habitat. This species is probably under recorded in quite a few areas due to its late flight period.

Ecology: An autumn-emerging species, found mainly in open woodland, fens and heaths in moderate numbers. Adults are attracted to light and overripe berries. The larvae feed from April to early June on poplar catkins Populus spp., Beech Fagus sylvatica, Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna and oak Quercus spp. It overwinters as an egg.

World Distribution: Eurasiatic. Throughout western Europe from Spain to Sweden and parts of Finland.

Bradley & Fletcher number: 2264 Agassiz number: 73.190

Additional information:

UK Moths account

Caterpillar: