Poplar Grey

Taxobox
name = Poplar Grey

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image_size = 200px
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Arthropoda
classis = Insecta
ordo = Lepidoptera
familia = Noctuidae
genus = "Acronicta"
species = "A. megacephala"
binomial = "Acronicta megacephala"
binomial_authority = Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775The Poplar Grey ("Acronicta megacephala") is a moth of the family Noctuidae. It is found throughout Europe.

This species has dark grey forewings mottled with black and marked with pale stigmata, and white hindwings. Melanic forms sometimes occur. The wingspan is 40-45 mm. This moth flies at night from May to August ref|flight_season and is attracted to light and sugar.

The hairy larva is grey with black and red markings and a white patch towards the rear. It feeds on poplars and willows and sometimes on Grey Alder. The species overwinters as a pupa.

#Note|flight_season"The flight season refers to the British Isles. This may vary in other parts of the range."

References

*Chinery, Michael "Collins Guide to the Insects of Britain and Western Europe" 1986 (Reprinted 1991)
*Skinner, Bernard "Colour Identification Guide to Moths of the British Isles" 1984