Noctua pronuba

Wingspan 45-55 mm.

Possibly the most abundant of our larger moths, this species can be found throughout Britain, and numbers are often enhanced by large migratory influxes in the south.

It exhibits a wide range of colour forms and patterns, although the yellow hindwings bordered with black remain pretty constant.

It flies from July to September and is freely attracted to light; often hundreds arriving at the moth-trap in peak season.

It occupies a range of habitats, and the caterpillars feed on a variety of herbaceous plants and grasses.

Image coutesy of www.ukmoths.org.uk