65.009 BF1653

Buff Arches Habrosyne pyritoides

(Hufnagel, 1766)

Wingspan 35-40 mm.

The combination of smooth grey, white and russet-brown make this delicately-marked moth one of the prettiest, especially when observed at close range.

It is fairly common in wooded areas in England, Wales and Ireland, but absent from most of Scotland except in the south, where it is scarce.

Flying in July and August, it can be attracted to 'sugar', as well as to light.

The larvae, which are reddish brown with two or four creamy spots, feed on bramble (Rubus).