Large Yellow Underwing | Reserves and species

Scientific Name:

Noctua pronuba

The Large Yellow Underwing is a very common, large, brown moth, with orangey-yellow hindwings bordered with black. It holds its wings folded back, flat along the body, and scuttles about on the floor like a mouse. Adults fly from June right through to November, and often come to lights at night. They rest during the day, but will flash their bright hindwings if disturbed, designed to surprise and scare-off predators. The caterpillars feed on a wide range of plants, including grasses and Dock leaves, and hibernate over winter. It is found almost everywhere.

How to identify:

There are six similar species of yellow underwing moth in the UK which can be very difficult to tell apart. Most are smaller than the Large Yellow Underwing; the similar-sized Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing has a thick black border to its yellowy-orange hindwings and a higher contrast brown and grey pattern on the forewings.

Where to find it:

Widespread.

How people can help:

Moths such as the Large Yellow Underwing are common in gardens - why not set up a moth trap at night and see who comes to visit? To attract moths and butterflies into your garden, plant nectar-rich borders and shrubs for them to feed on. To find out more about encouraging wildlife into your garden, visit our Wild About Gardens website: a joint initiative with the RHS, there's plenty of facts and tips to get you started.

Statistics:

Wingspan: 5-6cm

Conservation status:

Common.

Did you know?:

The Large Yellow Underwing is a member of the Noctuidae family of moths; there are more than 400 Noctuids in the UK, making it our largest family of moths.

Seasons:

Summer

Autumn

When to see

Start date:

June

End date:

November

Image:

Large yellow underwing moth - northeastwildlife.co.uk