Copper Underwing - Amphipyra pyramidea

Description

Wingspan 40-52 mm. There are a number of subtle ways to help distinguish this species from the similar Svensson's Copper Underwing (A. berbera svenssoni). The hindwing underside has a different pattern in the two species. Svensson's also has dark palps with pale tips, whereas the Copper Underwing's palps are pale throughout, but this character is variable and depends on wear.

Identification difficulty
Habitat

Woodland, scrub, hedgerows, gardens and parks.

When to see it

The adults fly from August to October and visit both sugar and light.

Life History

The larvae feed on a range of trees and shrubs, mainly Oak.

UK Status

Distributed fairly commonly over the southern half of Britain. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.

VC55 Status

Fairly common in Leicestershire and Rutland. L&R Moth Group status = A (common and resident)

Reference
73.062 BF2297

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2020+ | 2015-2019 | pre-2015

UK Map

Species profile

Common names
Copper Underwing, Copper Underwings
Species group:
Moths
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Lepidoptera
Family:
Noctuidae
Records on NatureSpot:
342
First record:
01/01/1998 (Adrian Russell)
Last record:
04/08/2024 (Gaten, Ted)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

The latest images and records displayed below include those awaiting verification checks so we cannot guarantee that every identification is correct. Once accepted, the record displays a green tick.

In the Latest Records section, click on the header to sort A-Z, and again to sort Z-A. Use the header boxes to filter the list.

Latest images

Latest records