Ear Moth - Amphipoea oculea
Wingspan 29 to 34 mm.
There are possible (although unlikely in VC55) confusion species so gen det confirmation is required for this species.
Gen det is required to identify this species, otherwise please record as Amphipoea oculea agg.
It tends to favour damp habitats.
July to September.
Has one generation per year. The larvae feed at the base of various grasses and low plants, on the stems and roots.
Occurring over much of Britain, this has a more widespread distribution than the other British 'Ear' moths. 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).
Mark Skevington
Ketton Quarry
27 July 2012
MFBraker
Bradgatedeerbarns
25 July 2016
Ear moth?
MFBraker
Bradgatedeerbarns
25 July 2016
MFBraker
Bradgatedeerbarns
25 July 2016
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Species profile
- Common names
- Ear Moth
- Species group:
- insect - moth
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
- Order:
- Lepidoptera
- Family:
- Noctuidae
- Records on NatureSpot:
- 95
- First record:
- 08/08/1950 (Wesley, Isaac)
- Last record:
- 13/08/2025 (Johnson, Andrew)
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