Small Angle Shades

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The Small Angle Shades (Euplexia lucipara) is a moth of the family Noctuidae. it is distributed throughout Europe.

As the common name suggests, this species is closely related to the Angle Shades (Phlogophora meticulosa) and is considerably smaller (wingspan 30-35 mm) but it does not especially resemble that species. The forewings are dark brown with a broad pale subterminal band, wider and paler towards the costa. The hindwings are whitish at the base, graduating to brown at the margins. This species flies at night in June and July with a second generation sometimes emerging in September ^{[#endnote_flight_season]}. It is attracted to light and sugar.

The larva often feeds on ferns and the species is usually associated with these plants but it has been recorded feeding on a range of other plants (see list below). The species overwinters as a pupa.

↑ The flight season refers to the British Isles. This may vary in other parts of the range.

Recorded food plants

Athyrium
Betula - Birch
Calystegia - False bindweed
Cornus - Common Dogwood
Delphinium
Epilobium - Willowherb
Fraxinus - Ash
Hedera - Ivy
Lactuca - Lettuce
Ligustrum - Privet
Lysimachia - Yellow Loosestrife
Pteridium - Bracken
Quercus - Oak
Ranunculus
Ribes - Currant
Rubus - Raspberry
Salix - Willow
Solanum - Tomato
Tussilago - Coltsfoot
Urtica - Nettle
Viburnum - Guelder Rose

References

Chinery, Michael Collins Guide to the Insects of Britain and Western Europe 1986 (Reprinted 1991)
Skinner, Bernard Colour Identification Guide to Moths of the British Isles 1984

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