Radford's Flame Shoulder - Ochropleura leucogaster

Wingspan 34-37 mm. Rather similar to the Flame Shoulder (Ochropleura plecta) but has longer forewings with smaller stigmata. However these features can be subjective and variable. The whiter hindwings, white dorsal hairs at top of abdomen and tegulae concolorous with patagium and costal band, contrasting with thorax colour, are key features.

Flame Shoulder (Ochropleura plecta)

If you think you have recorded this species, please provide good quality photographs and retain the specimen until identification is confirmed. Photos should show a view of the broad costal margin running quite squarely into the ‘shoulder’ creating a strong contrast between the thorax colour and pale tegulae. Effort should be made to confirm and photograph the white hairs around the anterior part of the abdomen in dorsal view (wings open to view) and clean white hindwings.

In Britain this species is recorded as a migrant usually in October, though the moth flies earlier on the continent.

The larvae feed on low plants including trefoils (Lotus spp.).

Mainly recorded along the south coast of England as a migrant, with just a few records further inland.

Rare in Leicestershire and Rutland where it was not recorded until 2024