Lunar Marbled Brown - Drymonia ruficornis

Wingspan 35 to 40 mm. Similar to the Marbled Brown (D. dodonea), this species has a black crescent in the white area of the forewing.

Inhabiting deciduous woodland where oak is present.

It is on the wing in April and May.

Oak is the foodplant of the caterpillars.

Relatively common in the southern half of Britain, uncommon elsewhere. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.

Fairly frequent but not common in Leicestershire and Rutland. L&R Moth Group status = B (scarce resident or restricted distribution or regular migrant).