73.062 BF2297

Copper Underwing Amphipyra pyramidea

(Linnaeus, 1758)

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Wingspan 40-52 mm.

Distributed fairly commonly over the southern half of Britain, perhaps less northerly than the very similar Svensson's Copper Underwing (A. berbera svenssoni). However, the relative distributions of each species are still not fully known, as the differences between them are becoming clearer.

There are a number of subtle ways to help distinguish the two species, but one recently quoted feature is the detail of the labial palps when viewed head-on. Svensson's has dark palps with pale tips, whereas Copper Underwing's palps are pale throughout.

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

The larvae feed on a range of trees and shrubs, mainly oak (Quercus).