Green-brindled Crescent - Allophyes oxyacanthae

Description

Wingspan 35-45 mm. Although superficially a dull brown species, the typical form of this moth has patches of metallic green scales giving it an attractive sheen in the correct light. A melanic form, ab. capucina is quite common in suburban areas, and shows much less green.

Identification difficulty
Habitat

Broad-leaved woodland, scrub, hedgerows and gardens.

When to see it

An autumn species, flying from September to November.

Life History

The caterpillars hatch in spring and feed on a variety of trees and bushes, including Hawthorn and Blackthorn.

UK Status

Fairly common throughout much of Britain. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.

VC55 Status

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

Reference
73.068 BF2245

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
Green-brindled Crescent
Species group:
insect - moth
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Lepidoptera
Family:
Noctuidae
Records on NatureSpot:
254
First record:
07/10/2005 (Cranfield, John)
Last record:
28/10/2025 (Pugh, Dylan)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

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