Actias selene The Indian Moon Moth

I obtained eggs of Actias selene from Mark Paterson in late December 2025. The caterpillars hatched out of the eggs on 2nd January 2026.

I offered them a variety of leaves including small-leaved Rhododendron and various Laurels. They seem to be able to sense the freshness of the leaves ad move from whatever they have been feeding on to the new leaves. Therefore I am putting new leaves in each day despite them only having nibbled a tiny amount ot the existing leaves.

20/01/2026

I now have 10 larvae. A few perished while I was unexpectedly called away from home for a couple of days. Also two or three were clearly not developing at the same rate as the others. These remained tiny and eventually died.

5 of the larvae are now in the green stage, and the remainder are pre-moult or getting there.

I have moved them onto a small potted laurel plant in my office and spray the plant periodically.

28/01/2026

9 larvae

EVALUATING THE RELIABILITY OF WING MARKINGS FOR DISTINGUISHING NOCTUA JANTHE AND NOCTUA JANTHINA IN BRITAIN

EVALUATING THE RELIABILITY OF WING MARKINGS FOR DISTINGUISHING NOCTUA JANTHE AND NOCTUA JANTHINA IN BRITAIN (Provisional Title)

MARK S. A. CALWAY¹

¹22 Repton Road, Earley, Berkshire RG6 7LJ

Abstract

Distinguishing the Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing (Noctua janthe) from Langmaid’s Yellow Underwing (Noctua janthina) remains a challenge for moth recorders in Britain due to the variability and subjectivity of wing markings. This study investigates the reliability of morphological features, particularly wing patterns, as diagnostic tools for separating these two species. During the 2025 flight season in Earley, Berkshire, four female moths identified as potential N. janthina were retained, allowed to lay eggs, and their progeny reared to adulthood. The experiment aimed to compare the wing markings of each parent with those of their offspring, assessing consistency and potential for misidentification. Additional analyses included genitalia determination and DNA sequencing to corroborate visual identifications. The findings are discussed in the context of existing literature, with implications for the reliability of wing markings as a means of species separation and recommendations for future recording practices.

Introduction / Background

Noctua janthe (Borkhausen, 1792), is a widespread and frequently encountered moth in Berkshire (VC22) and moth recorders in the region have typically reported it as Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing N. janthe.

The situation changed on 9 July 2001, when a noctuid moth captured at Southsea, Hampshire, was identified as N. janthina [Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775]—the first confirmed record of this species in Britain, documented by John Langmaid. Since this discovery, Langmaid’s Yellow Underwing (N. janthina) has been found at additional sites across the UK, including Berkshire, where the first specimen was recorded by Finlay Hutchinson in Reading on 30 July 2022.

Since then, the moth, if not examined closely, has variously been recorded as:

· Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing N. janthe

· Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing (agg.), N. janthe/N. janthina

· Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing (agg.), N. janthe/N. janthina/N. tertia

N. janthe and N. janthina are generally considered two members of a two- or three-species complex, the third being N. tertia. The earliest British record of N. tertia dates to Kent in 1992, though it was not confirmed as such until 2014, and its status as a distinct species remains under debate among some authorities.

Materials and Methods

During the 2025 flight season in Earley, Berkshire, a selection of potential N. janthina moths, from the many N. janthe/N. janthina aggregate moths taken at light, were retained throughout the flight season. Specimens from the early part of the season were placed in a freezer for later inspection. In October, when there appeared to be evidence of migration and many N. janthe/N. janthina moths were again appearing in the trap, a small sample was taken. Four of the moths produced eggs while still in individual pots, providing an opportunity to rear the resulting caterpillars. The eggs were retained with the intention of rearing any resultant caterpillars to adulthood.

Aims and Rationale

There has been ongoing discussion and documentation regarding the reliability of wing markings as a diagnostic means of distinguishing between N. janthe and N. janthina. Given the variability of these markings, identification can be subjective. This experiment aimed to confirm the identity of female moths that laid eggs as N. janthina, rear their offspring to adulthood, and compare the wing markings of each parent with those of their progeny. The goal was to assess the consistency of these markings and the potential for misidentification without recourse to genitalia determination or DNA sequencing.

Specimen Identification and Handling

Each of the four female moths that laid eggs was inspected visually using hindwing upper-side and forewing underside features as described in the literature. Those that appeared to be good candidates for N. janthina were retained until they had laid an egg batch, after which they died. Each adult female moth and her egg batch were labelled and kept separate to prevent confusion. Each moth was assigned an identifying letter (A–D). The table below summarises the specimens:

Identifier	Date of capture	Location	Sex	Method	Notes on the eggs
A	2/10/25	Earley	F	MV light (e.g.)	Hatched night of 12th/morning of 13th Oct 2025
B	2/10/25	Earley	F		Hatched night of 13th/morning of 14th Oct 2025
C	2/10/25	Earley	F		Hatched night of 13th/morning of 14th Oct 2025
D	3/10/25	Earley	F	125W MV	Hatched night of 14th/morning of 15th Oct 2025

Appendix: Supporting Analyses

Samples for DNA sequencing:
At the end of October 2025, four clean tubes labelled A, B, C, and D were prepared, and at least two legs from each moth were placed into their respective tubes. These were sent to Dr Andrew Spicer for DNA sequencing.

Samples for genitalia determination:
In December 2025 the four female N. janthina candidates were passed to Ian Sims who relaxed and set them with the forewings positioned so that the hindwing markings could more easily be viewed.

Photos were taken of the upper and undersides of the set specimens with particular attention to the relevant wing markings.

The four moths (minus the legs sent for DNA analysis) were sent to Peter Hall for identification by genitalia determination in 2026.

Diagnostic Features

Wing Markings

According to the British Lepidoptera website, there are no reliable forewing upper side features for distinguishing these species.

The hindwing upperside provides the best identification feature: in N. janthe it appears bright yellow with a broad subterminal fascia and a dorsal blackish smudge continuing to the wing base, while in N. janthina the black subterminal fascia is continued along the costa and the blackish dorsobasal smudge is darker and more extensive, so the hindwing appears black with a central yellow spot. This difference is more apparent in male than female N. janthina, implying sexual dimorphism.

Forewing Underside

Both species show an extensive blackish basal area and a brownish terminal band. In N. janthe, the distal margin of the black basal patch extends between veins as teeth and the terminal colour is yellow-brown; in N. janthina, the distal margin is smooth and the terminal colour dull brown. The underside of the forewing costa can also be a useful guide: in both species, there is a narrow postmedian line crossing the underside of the costa at about two-thirds; in N. janthe, the costa has the same colour on both sides of this line, while in N. janthina, the costa is distinctly darker on the proximal side. This feature is most reliable in fresh male N. janthina specimens.

Genitalia Examination

Both DSG and Moth Dissection describe and illustrate a longer and narrower corpus bursae in N. janthe. The ratio of length to breadth of the corpus bursae is 3.6–4.5 in N. janthina and 5.5–5.7 in N. janthe according to published sources, though the author’s preparations yielded slightly lower ratios. In N. janthe (and N. tertia, if valid), a pleat is present at the junction between the ductus and corpus bursae, which was not observed in N. janthina specimens. This could provide a means of distinguishing the species, though further specimens need to be examined.

Discussion

[To be completed: This section will interpret the findings, discuss the reliability of wing markings and other features for identification, and provide recommendations for recorders and future research.]

How similar or variable were the wing markings of the offspring of A compared to the wing markings of A
How similar or variable were the wing markings of the offspring of B compared to the wing markings of B
How similar or variable were the wing markings of the offspring of C compared to the wing markings of C
How similar or variable were the wing markings of the offspring of D compared to the wing markings of D

References

[To be completed: List of all literature, websites, and sources cited.]

Pink and Green Hawkmoth - Elwes

Langmaid's Yellow Underwing

Langmaid's Yellow Underwing moth

Image from Upper Thames Moths

The Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing Noctua janthe, Langmaid’s Yellow Underwing Noctua janthina and Wilson’s Yellow Underwing Noctua tertia

Noctua janthe, janthina and tertia in Britain.

The Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing Noctua janthe is a common moth in Berkshire (VC22). Many moth recorders in Berkshire are in the habit of recording any similar-looking Noctuid moth as Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing (agg.) janthe/janthina or more recently as Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing (agg.) janthe/janthina/tertia (e.g. on iRecord).

However, on 9 July 2001, a very similar-looking Noctuid moth taken at Southsea, Hampshire was identified as Noctua janthina [Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775. This individual, recorded by John Langmaid represented the first recorded example in Britain.

Since then, Langmaid’s Yellow Underwing, as it became known in the UK, has been recorded in other locations across the UK, including in Berkshire, where the first specimen was recorded by Finlay Hutchingson in [year].

N. janthe and N. janthina are (arguably) two species of a three-species complex, the third species being N. tertia. The first record for Britain was collected in Kent in 1992, but it was not confirmed to be Noctua tertia until 2014. Subsequently, some authorities have disputed that N. tertia is a separate species.

Checking for N. janthina in my garden in Earley, Berkshire (VC22)

During 2025 a selection of potential N. janthina moths, from the many N. janthe/janthina agg. moths taken at light in Earley, Berkshire, were retained throughout the flight season. The specimens from the early part of the season were placed in a freezer for later inspection. In October, when there appeared to be evidence of migration and many N. janthe/janthina moths were again appearing in the trap, a small sample was taken. While still in individual pots, four of the moths produced eggs. These were retained with the intention of rearing any resultant caterpillars.

Identifying the potential Noctua janthina

Each moth selected to be sampled was inspected visually using hindwing upper-side and forewing underside features as described and illustrated on various websites.

Those that appeared to be good candidates for N. janthina were either frozen and retained or, in the case of the females in October, retained until they had laid an egg batch shortly after which they died.

Each adult female moth and her egg batch were labelled and carefully kept separate from the other moths and egg batches to prevent any accidental confusion.

Each moth was assigned an identifying letter A – L as shown in the table below.

Table of specimens

Identifier	Date of capture	Location	Sex	Method	Notes
A	2/10/25	Earley	F	MV light (e.g.)	Hatched night of 12^th/morning of 13^th October 2025
B	2/10/25	Earley	F		Hatched night of 13^th/morning of 14^th October 2025
C	2/10/25	Earley	F		Hatched night of 13^th/morning of 14^th October 2025
D	3/10/25	Earley	F	125W MV	Hatched night of 14^th/morning of 15^th October 2025
E	7/10/25	Earley		125W MV
F	Early in season	Earley			Frozen
G	08/08/25	Billingbear Farm		125W MV	Frozen
H	Early in season	Earley			Frozen
I	Early in season	Earley			Frozen
J	Early in season	Earley			Frozen
K	Early in season	Earley			Frozen
L	Early in season	Earley

13/10/2025.

Group A: Newly hatched larvae were observed on the morning of 13/10/25. These amy have hatched overnight. The tube containing the dead moth, eggs and newly hatched larvae was placed in a tub with grass, hawthorn, blackthorn, dandelion and sallow. A dandelion leaf was placed halfway into the glass tube.

14/10/2025.

Group A: Very few of the larvae have left the glass tube. I removed the dandelion leaf which had a few larvae on it and pushed a bit of the hawthorn into the glass tube.

Group B: Newly hatched larvae were observed on the morning of 14/10/25

Group C: Newly hatched larvae were observed on the morning of 14/10/25.

15/10/2025

The Group D egg batch has hatched, again either over night or early this morning.

Moved to put with dandelion, grass and clover.

18/10/2025 - UPDATE

I have now counted the tiny caterpillars and I have over 350 as follows.

Identifier	Number of larvae
A	60+
B	125
C	56
D	110

I tried to ascertain if the caterpillars are showing a preference to a particular foodplant. The following have been eaten/nibbled.

· Dandelion

· Dock

· Grass

· Clover

· Sallow

· Blackthorn (barely)

· Hawthorn (barely)

I suspect that it is more the condition of the foodplant than the species which is influencing their choice. Where I saw the grass had been grazed was where it had turned yellow. There were more caterpillars on the softer material. The largest number of caterpillars were to be found within very damp rotting brown-to-black leaf material within a fold of a leaf or where two leaves had lain one upon another. This enclosed space was filled with their droppings, and they appeared content to live in this very damp and frass-filled environment. I have not found any dead or sickly-looking caterpillars so far.

19/10/2025

I added shop-bought organic lettuce and spinach to the mix of foodplant offered as I know these to wilt quite quickly. I’m interested to see if they choose either of these options.

27/10/2025

I got busy and neglected the larvae for a period. When I checked them today, some of the foodplant had gone brown and liquid and I was very concerned to see if the larvae had survived.

I cleaned out each pot, one pot at a time. I emptied the whole contents of the first pot onto kitchen paper and cleaned and prepared the empty pot for rehousing them. Initially, many of the larvae appeared to be dead, however after a period, some of them stated to move. Using a small soft paintbrush and a teaspoon, I transferred each larvae that I saw hurriedly heading off in various directions. Many larva that appeared at first glance to be dead, surprised me by waiting a long time and then suddenly springing into action and making a run for it.

I noted that the spinach had not been eaten other than a few small patches, whereas the lettuce pieces had been nearly skeletonised. Larvae mostly seemed to favour pieces of grass, especially those that had gone yellow.

I put in a fresh piece of lettuce and some grass, both wide-bladed green and yellowing, plus a very fine green grass.

Once I had transferred sufficient batch A larvae to pot A, I removed all of the old foodplant, kitchen paper and remaining larvae and released them to a suitable patch of the garden.

I repeated this process for each larval batch (A, B, C and D)

06/02/2026

My last entry was on 27/10/2025. Some time has passed and I believe I have made some notes in a Word document to cover that period.

Status today.

Conehead Grasshopper

Conehead grasshopper

Whilst in Bulgaria in September 2025, this grasshopper flew out near me at a petrol station where we were refueling.

I kept it on living grass in an enclosure in my office, where it seemed quite content, feeding on the grass and producing droppings regularly.

As the days got shorter, I placed three strip grow lights over the top of the enclosure and kept them switched on during the day.

On 27/10/2025 I noticed it showed signs of laying eggs. In the photos, there is what is probably a protective foam within which she may have laid eggs.

As she was taken from the wild in the autumn as an adult, there should be a reasonable chance that it would have been mated earlier.

Working on this assumption, I will create a suitable arrangement for the eggs in which to spend the winter. I'll give the oothica(?) a few days to harden off before transferring it to its winter accommodation. I am thinking of putting it in clean soil/compost in a terracotta pot and kept outdoors, but protected from frost and the worst of the weather. I will probably enclose the whole pot in fine netting to prevent earwigs and other pests from getting in.

Map butterfly - A levana

I obtained some Map butterflies during a visit to Estonia, where they were found to be common in many locations such as along roadsides and in woodland rides. A female laid some eggs as seen above.

Here we can see that some of the eggs have hatched and others, typically towards the end of the string of eggs are still to hatch. It was interesting to see the first laid egg (the one attached to the leaf) was the first to hatch. It managed to emerge from its egg through a horizontal slit which it cut from the inside. This left the egg attached to the leaf and the remaining string of eggs still attached to the empty egg shell.

Caterpillars emerged from the eggs in roughly the order that they were laid starting with the egg laid on the leaf and then working towards the end of the string. The string of empty egg shells remained attached to the leaf with none of the eggs or young caterpillars being cut free to fall to the ground.

31/07/2025

I transferred the young larva to a potted nettle plant that I had prepared for the purpose.

3/8/2025

4/8/2025

The larvae seem to stay under the leaf, especially when the sun is hot.

Silver-washed Fritillary - Argynnis paphia

A female Silver-washed Fritillary was obtained from Estonia in July 2025. Here it is feeding from a dilute solution of sucrose.

The female was fed and then placed in a tub containing a small violet plant. Eggs were laid in various positions including on the roots of the violet.

Large Copper L. Dispar

29 July 2025

Over recent years, I have struggled to obtain livestock of this species. On the occasions that I did get some, I have not been very successful in achieving my objective of rearing and breeding so that I have hundreds of Large Copper butterflies flying in an enclosed suitable environment.

As of today, I have (1) about a dozen small larvae, form a single pairing earlier this year, that entered hibernation early-mid June 2025.

I also have (2) numerous eggs and some hatchling larvae obtained from more then one pairing of butterflies resulting from some pupae supplied by Tony Rouse.

Regarding batch 1, I had hoped that the larvae would have fed up and produced a second brood this year, from which I would have plenty of livestock to take through the winter. But, in June, the larvae turned brown and took up resting positions. I was somewhat concerned as to how they were going to survive from June through to spring 2026 due to their small size and how long the hibernation period would be. When checking them today in their slightly ventilated plastic pot, I added a small rolled up piece of damp kitchen roll and closed the lid again. A few hours later, I noticed that about half-a-dozen of the larvae had moved onto the ball of damp kitchen roll. This activity made we wonder if they wanted to resume feeding or were just feeling dehydrated, so I placed a fresh leaf of Great Water Dock in the container.It didn't take long for a number of the larvae to move onto the fresh pieces of dock leaf.