73.064 BF2299

Mouse Moth Amphipyra tragopoginis

(Clerck, 1759)

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Wingspan 33-38 mm.

A very plain-looking moth, with three dark dots on the forewing, the ground colour is dark brown with a distinct glossy sheen.

The adults are on the wing from July to September and frequently visit sugar as well as light. If disturbed, they will scuttle away mouse-like rather than take flight.

The species is commonly distributed over most of the British Isles, occupying a range of habitats.

The caterpillars feed on a variety of herbaceous plants, including the flowers, as well as trees such as sallow(Salix).