Agrochola helvola (Linnaeus, 1758)

Description: Wingspan 38-40 mm. Forewings are dark reddish brown with pale beige antemedian and post median lines. The central band is broad and normally a richer redder brown. The subterminal line and stigmata are pale beige and clearly marked. Hindwings pale fuscous with a small discal spot.

Key Identification Features:

• Red and beige-coloured central band
• Pale stigmata
• Pale hindwings

Sets:

Flight Period: Early September to late October.

Status: A scarce species and confined in recent times to Rehaghy Mountain, Tyrone where the moth has been taken regularly since 1996. The only other recent record is from the Loughgall area of Armagh, where it was recorded in 1986 and again in 1988. Baynes (1964) described it as uncommon and local - he gave Londonderry as the only other county, although surprisingly, Capt. W.S. Wright indicated in his checklist that it has been recorded from all counties. However, there is not recent evidence to validate this claim even though the foodplants are common in many suitable habitats.

Ecology: A late flying species and the one of the most attractive moths of the 'chestnuts'. This species is generally associated with heaths and woodland. Adults appear sparingly at light and will also visit the blossom of Ivy Hedera helix and overripe berries. The larvae feed from April to early June on birch Betula spp., willow Salix spp. and Bilberry Vaccinium myrtillus. It overwinters as an egg.

World Distribution: Eurasiatic. Throughout western Europe from Spain to the Arctic Circle.

Bradley & Fletcher number: 2265 Agassiz number: 73.188

Additional information:

UK Moths account

Caterpillar: