Angle Shades

Phlogophora meticulosa

Species ID / Angle Shades
Rachel Scopes
Ervin Szombathelyi
Gail Hampshire

Identification Tip

The wings are folded along the body at rest which gives the impression of a withered autumn leaf.

What do they eat?

Caterpillars munch on a range of plants including:

  • Common Nettle
  • Hop
  • Red Valerian
  • Broad-leaved Dock
  • Bramble
  • Hazel

Adults tend to feed on the flowers of grasses, including those of the Common Reed.

Where does it spend the winter?

This moth spends the winter as a caterpillar and continues to feed during mild weather.

Ideas to help Angle Shades in your Wild Space

Butterfly-friendly plants for borders

Superstar plants for any Wild Space

Don’t dig it!

Size

small
medium
large

Flying Season

April - November

Life Cycle

Adult

April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November

Egg

April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November

Caterpillar

January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December

Chrysallis

April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December

UK Distribution

  • England
  • Scotland
  • Wales
  • Northern Ireland

Want to learn

more?

There is even more about this species on the main Butterfly Conservation website

Fun Facts
about the Angle Shades

The angular markings on the wings of this moth help to break up its outline, making it harder for predators to spot.