COPPER UNDERWING

ADULT: Wingspan 40-52 mm.  A chunky moth with brown forewings that bear several pale crosslines, a pale fascia and a similarly pale stigma that has a dark central area. The hindwings are of a noticeable coppery orange. The only confusion species is Svensson's Copper Underwing (Amphipyra berbera) and the differences between the two are rather subtle. The forewing markings of both species bear slight differences, the coppery colouring on the hindwing is darker towards the margin whereas in Svensson's the hindwings are more uniform in colour. One extra point to note is that Svensson's has dark palps with pale tips, whereas the Copper Underwing's palps are pale throughout. Fresh specimens are best checked to make sure of the end ID. LARVAE: The green larvae (also known as the 'Humped Green Fruitworm' has three interrupted white stripes on the back and the stripe along the spiracles is whitish. These spiracles are white with a black edge. These larvae feed on a variety of trees and shrubs such as Oak, Birch, Sallow and Rose. BEHAVIOUR: Attracted to light and sugar and a difficult moth to handle due to a rather smooth finish to the wings and the low posture. HABITAT: Found in woodland, scrubby areas, hedgerows, gardens and parks. FLIGHT PERIOD: On the wing during August to October. STATUS: Fairly commonly over the southern half of Britain and classified as common.