B&F: 1795

ABH: 70.107

Status: Resident.

Distribution and Abundance: Common.

Primary Habitat: General occurrence.

Flight Period: Single brooded from early October into November.

Observations: This is very much the most common of the three species of November Moth that are found in Northamptonshire. It can easily be confused with its’ congeners the Pale November Moth (E. christyi) and Autumnal Moth (E. autumnata). Small Autumnal Moth (E. filigrammaria) does not occur in this county. The three species that do occur here are difficult to separate by wing markings alone and are more conclusively identified by the genitalia differences in the males. Notwithstanding this reference to literature can sometimes resolve the matter, particularly having regard to habitat and flight time. My own field records for this species covering the past two decades show that the average date that I first saw the moth was 8 October, and the earliest 24 September. In general the species seems to be less strongly marked than its’ congeners often presenting a faded appearance as suggested by the appropriate specific name of dilutata which translates to watery, faint or pale. Most unclear records are ascribed to November Moth leading to a probable overstatement of its true abundance, however it clearly remains the most common of the Epirrita species.

Confusion Species: Pale November Moth, Autumnal Moth

L.O.N.: 1907. Everywhere. Very common.

First Record: 1882, Hull & Tomalin.