SCIENTIFIC NAME: XYLOCAMPA AREOLA
VERNACULAR NAME: EARLY GREY

Fig 1
ADULT Wingspan 32-40mm.  The ash-grey ground colour to the forewings with the marbling pattern throughout and the pale oval and kidney marks as well as the early flight period all combine to make this moth readily identifiable.
CHRYSALIS Pupates in cocoon below ground throughout winter.
LARVA Feeds on Honeysuckle.
BEHAVIOUR Attracted to light.
HABITAT Broadleaved woodland, hedgerows, heathland, scrub, gardens and parkland.
FLIGHT PERIOD Single brooded. March to May.
STATUS Resident. Common throughout.

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