Angle Shades (Phlogophora meticulosa)

Status: Common and widespread in the UK.

'The Fearful Fire-bearer'

(Phlogo = fire/flame + phora = bearer/to bear: from Greek, meticulosa = fearful: Latin).

This beautiful moth mimics dead foliage superbly: its creased forewings have scalloped edges and are camouflaged in shades of pink, military-green and khaki. The cubistic tufts of hair on the thorax help break up the moth's outline.When captured, the Angle Shades tends to rest sedately, maintaining its leafy disguise for as long as possible.
Migrant individuals from Europe supplement the native population in the autumn.
The scientific name probably refers to the triangular, flame-like markings on the forewings.















Flight Period: May to Oct (though may be found during any month). Migratory.

Foodplants: wide variety of plants (polyphagous).