Beautiful Golden Y - Autographa pulchrina

Description

Wingspan 35-40 mm. Similar to the plain Golden 'Y', but with richer maroon colouring in the wings.

Similar Species

Similar to the plain Golden 'Y', but with richer colouring in the wings and a more obvious kidney-spot - usually outlined.

Identification difficulty
Habitat

The species inhabits gardens, waste ground, and woodland areas.

When to see it

This species is on the wing in June and July, slightly earlier than its close relative, the Plain Golden Y.

Life History

The larvae, which feed on low plants, overwinter in this stage, and pupate in May or June.

UK Status

Fairly common and widespread over most of Britain. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.

VC55 Status

Fairly common in Leicestershire and Rutland. L&R Moth Group status = A (common and resident)

Reference
73.016 BF2442

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Species profile

Common names
Beautiful Golden Y
Species group:
insect - moth
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Lepidoptera
Family:
Noctuidae
Records on NatureSpot:
90
First record:
13/06/2004 (Skevington, Mark)
Last record:
01/07/2025 (Harding, Ian)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

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