73.063 BF2298

Svensson's Copper Underwing Amphipyra berbera

Fletcher, 1968

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Wingspan 47-56 mm.

Only separated as a species from Copper Underwing (A. pyramidea) in the late 1960's, there are a number of subtle characters which can contribute to the identification, but often reference to the genitalia is needed to be sure. 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.

It flies from July to September and has a range similar to that of A. pyramidea, but many older records are in doubt as to which species they refer. It is emerging that in the northern parts of their range, this species is the most frequent.

The larval foodplants are a range of deciduous trees including oak (Quercus).