The Small Angle Shades (Euplexia lucipara) is a moth of the family Noctuidae. it is distributed throughout Europe.

As the common name suggests, this species is closely related to the Angle Shades (Phlogophora meticulosa) and is considerably smaller (wingspan 30-35 mm) but it does not especially resemble that species. The forewings are dark brown with a broad pale subterminal band, wider and paler towards the costa. The hindwings are whitish at the base, graduating to brown at the margins. This species flies at night in June and July with a second generation sometimes emerging in September . It is attracted to light and sugar.

The larva often feeds on ferns and the species is usually associated with these plants but it has been recorded feeding on a range of other plants (see list below). The species overwinters as a pupa.

1. The flight season refers to the British Isles. This may vary in other parts of the range.

Recorded food plants

• Athyrium
• Betula - Birch
• Calystegia - False bindweed
• Cornus - Common Dogwood
• Delphinium
• Epilobium - Willowherb
• Fraxinus - Ash
• Hedera - Ivy
• Lactuca - Lettuce
• Ligustrum - Privet
• Lysimachia - Yellow Loosestrife
• Pteridium - Bracken
• Quercus - Oak
• Ranunculus
• Ribes - Currant
• Rubus - Raspberry
• Salix - Willow
• Solanum - Tomato
• Tussilago - Coltsfoot
• Urtica - Nettle
• Viburnum - Guelder Rose

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

Noctuidae