B&F: 2110a

ABH: 73.347

Status: Vagrant/migrant.

Distribution and Abundance: Rare.

Flight Period: Recorded in July and early August.

Observations: The first VC32 record was of a singleton taken in a garden light trap and the identity was confirmed by Gerry Haggett who has reared the species extensively. He was therefore able to state that in appearance the moth most resembled specimens from Austria and Germany. The set moth is pictured, demonstrating the increased dark suffusion on the hindwings, compared to that of Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing.

Putative Specimens of N. janthina (Langmaid’s) must meet all the critical points (size, shape and tone, underside of forewing and upperside of hindwing) thus:

Hindwing - The black outer border of the hindwing is generally broad, and extends along the costa without a gap, giving the overall effect of a black hindwing with a yellow spot.

Forewing - The underside of the forewing should also be examined, janthe (Lesser Broad-bordered) showing a toothed outer edge to the black area that ends well before the outer edge of the wing. The outer edge of the black area in janthina (Langmaid’s) is usually smooth ending closer to the outer edge of the wing.

Please see comparative images at https://mothdissection.co.uk/species.php?ABH=73.3470

Confirmation requires all critical features to be met and photographed, and if not 100% certain, dissection of the genitalia.

Confusion Species: Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing.

First Record:  2011, Sharpe.