Description: Wingspan 32-38 mm. The ground colouration varies considerably between individuals. Forewings are narrow and range from pale lightish brown through to dark brown. Antemedian and post median lines are paler than ground colour and quite distinct. The subterminal line is a series of black dots; stigmata darker and edged with a fine pale line. Hindwings range from white through to fuscous depending on colouration of adult. Late August to the beginning of October.

World Distribution: Has a mainly south western distribution in Europe occurring from southern Spain to the Netherlands.

Irish Distribution: Largely confined to Down, where it is commonly encountered in many well-known localities. Outside its stronghold it is much scarcer, existing in just a few widely scattered localities in Fermanagh and Antrim.

Ecology: A late summer species found mainly in grassy habitats and occasionally in suburban areas. Adults come frequently to light in moderate numbers and also to Ivy Hedera helix blossom. The moth conceals itself by day, but becomes active around dusk, where it will often rest on stone walls, fence posts or high up on grass stems. The larvae feed from October to May of the following year on various grasses. It overwinters as a larva.

Key Identification Features:

• Narrow forewings
• Dark stigmata
• Dotted subterminal line

Distribution Map from NBN: Omphaloscelis lunosa at National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.

iNaturalist: Omphaloscelis lunosa at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.