Description: Wingspan 34-46 mm. A rather distinctive moth that is difficult to confuse with any other species. The head and patagium are orange. Forewings are golden brown with a distinct metallic sheen. There are two distinct silver-coloured blotches in the median area and a subapical patch that is pointed and curves inwards towards the central area of the wing. Hindwings greyish brown with fine dark veining. Late May to mid-September

World Distribution: Similar distribution to the Burnished Brass in western Europe.

Irish Distribution: Common and widespread throughout all counties including Rathlin Island.

Ecology: A brightly coloured species associated mainly with damp woodland, fens and bogs, where it is commonly encountered at light. The adults are occasionally discovered by day usually at rest among low-growing plants. The larvae feed during July and August on various marshland grasses.

Key Identification Features:

• Orange coloured head and patagium
• Golden brown metallic sheen on the forewings
• Silvered-coloured blotches on forewings

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

iNaturalist: Plusia festucae at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.