Morley's Final Catalogue: Ubiquitous on sugar in autumn. Recently noted at Bentley Woods, Ipswich, Hogs Highland, Martlesham; Lound (Ellis), Fritton and Gorleston.
Not recognised as two species in Morley's time.

Recent Suffolk Status: Common. The more commonly recorded of the two species in the county.

Life history: Single-brooded. Adults regularly found at rest in buildings and outhouses by day. A frequent visitor to sugar and wine ropes. Larvae have been found regularly in Suffolk in late spring on various trees.

Identification: Very similar to Svensson's copper underwing. Recent studies have proved the only reliable external feature to separate the two is the underside of the hindwing. See photos of the underside of the two species in their respective accounts. Svensson's copper underwing has more extensive copper colour, extending beyond the dark cross-band. The copper colour is limited to a much smaller area on Copper underwing, not extending beyond the dark cross-band and there is much more extensive and obvious straw colouration. On very worn moths the features can be hard to see so are best recorded as aggregate records or dissected.

Habitat: Woodland, scrub, hedgerows, gardens.

Verification Grade Comment: Hindwing must be checked or Gen. Det.

Recorded in 55 (95%) of 58 10k Squares. First Recorded in 1956. Last Recorded in 2024. Additional Stats

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