Green-brindled Crescent
Allophyes oxyacanthae

Mid September and October.

Woodland, hedgerows and scrub.

This attractive moth is always a welcome find. It is widespread wherever there is hawthorn or rowan, but never numerous enough to become commonplace. The dusting of almost metallic green scales on brown wings perhaps mimics algal growth on damp autumn tree bark.

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Juniper Carpet Thera juniperata

October.

Almost anywhere with long-established junipers, including gardens.

This small grey moth is often overlooked because of its late flight season and rather sedentary habits. Adults spend most of their time sitting around on juniper bushes, where they can be found by torchlight. Otherwise the moth is rarely seen, though caterpillars can be tapped from their foodplant in large numbers during July.

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Red Sword-grass Xylena vetusta

September and October, then hibernating until spring.

Moorlands, marshes, other open country.

There are few nectar sources in late autumn, so ripe blackberries provide an alternative food for many moths at this season. Torchlight searches of the brambles on suitably mild nights may reveal a range of species including Red Sword-grass, now with wings partly opened instead of in the tightly furled resting posture (see March).

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Dark Sword-grass Agrotis ipsilon

Migrant, most numerous in autumn.

May occur anywhere.

Long narrow wings and long legs distinguish this annual visitor to our area, usually in small numbers.

Despite its vernacular name it is not closely related to our resident sword-grasses. It is, however, in the same genus as the notorious Bogong Moth of Australia, A. infusa, whose migrating swarms sometimes disrupt traffic and allegedly provide food for Aborigines.

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The Brick Agrochola circellaris

Woodland, parkland, gardens.

Late August to early November.

Presumably named for its terracotta colour, the Brick is one of the most reliable autumn species at sugar or ripe blackberries, though less frequently seen at light.

The eggs overwinter because its caterpillar feeds on the inflorescence and developing seeds of deciduous trees such as sallow, poplar, wych elm and ash. The caterpillars grow quickly on this nutritious diet, leaving them with surplus time to kill, spent lying in the cocoon for many weeks before pupation.

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