Higher classification Acronicta | Scientific name Acronicta leporina Rank Species | |
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Similar Acronicta, Butterflies and moths, Grey dagger, Poplar grey, Insect | ||
The miller (Acronicta leporina) is a moth of the family Noctuidae. It is found throughout Europe apart from the far south-east.The range extends from the South of Spain, Central Italy and Bulgaria to Scotland and Central Scandinavia, crossing the Arctic circle in Finland and Norway. Outside Europe it is only known in North Africa. In the Eastern Palearctic and the Nearctic ecozone it is replaced by Acronicta vulpina, (Grote, 1883) formerly known as Acronicta leporina subspecies vulpina
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Description
This is a variable but always distinctive species, the forewings ranging from almost white to dark grey (pale grey being the most common colour form) with characteristic crescent-shaped black markings. The hindwings are white. The wingspan is 1.5-1.69 in (38–43 mm). Adults of this species fly at night from June to August [1] and will come to light and sugar but are not especially strongly attracted.
The larva is green, covered in long white or yellow hairs. It feeds on a variety of trees (see list below), often feeding on bark and soft wood. This species overwinters as a pupa, sometimes spending two winters in this form.
Recorded food plants
