73.197 BF2260 – Dotted Chestnut – Noctuidae – Conistra rubiginea
Dotted Chestnut – Noctuidae – Xyleninae- Conistra rubiginea – colour code •
STATUS – A new species for Derbyshire, but not for VC57, as South Wood lies entirely in VC55. A very fresh individual was attracted to MV Light at South Wood, South Derbyshire, overnight on 10 April 2024 and recorded by Martin Roome. A very local species in Britain, occurring mainly in the south and south-east of England, but occasional scattered records elsewhere. Possibly expanding its range northwards and maybe entering Derbyshire from Leicestershire, as the species is turning up there with more regularity.
ID POINTERS – Unmistakeable. The upper-wing colour is a rich yellow-ochre or creamy chestnut brown covered in various sized dark dots, spots and small blotches.
FLIGHT PERIOD – On the wing October – November, after which it hibernates and is then recorded briefly during early spring.
IMAGES – South Wood, Derbyshire – Tony Davison©
