Insects nocturnal

Barred Sallow

Tiliacea aurago

A stunning jewel of the autumn night, the Barred Sallow sports the vibrant oranges and yellows of a falling leaf. Discover how to spot this late-season beauty in your own backyard as it searches for nectar among the ivy.

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Quick Identification

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Size

Wingspan of 30-35 mm (approx. 1.2-1.4 inches)

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Colors

Bright golden-yellow or orange forewings with two prominent reddish-brown or purplish-grey bands across the middle.

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Key Features

Vibrant orange-yellow ground color
Two broad, dark cross-bands on the forewings
Reniform stigma (kidney-shaped mark) visible on the wing
Darker 'shoulders' or patagia that contrast with the head

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern nocturnal

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Peak hours 9 PM - 2 AM

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Season September-October

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Diet Adults feed on the nectar of late-flowering plants like Ivy, as well as tree sap and overripe fruit. Larvae initially feed on Beech and Sycamore catkins before transitioning to the leaves.

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Habitat Deciduous woodlands, parklands, and mature suburban gardens, particularly those containing Beech or Sycamore trees.

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Behavior

The Barred Sallow is a master of autumnal camouflage, its vibrant orange and yellow hues perfectly mimicking the fallen leaves of its favorite host trees. Unlike many moths that are dull and grey, this species is a jewel of the late-season garden, appearing just as the temperatures begin to drop in September and October. It is often found resting among leaf litter during the day, where its wing patterns break up its silhouette against the forest floor.

These moths are strictly nocturnal, spending their nights searching for energy-rich food sources to fuel their late-season flight. They are known for being particularly fond of overripe fruit and 'sugar' (a fermented bait used by moth enthusiasts), as well as late-blooming flowers. They are relatively strong fliers but will settle quickly once they find a reliable source of nectar or sap.

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Camera Tips

To capture the Barred Sallow on your AI camera, timing and placement are critical. This species has a very specific flight window, typically peaking in late September and October. Set up your camera near a source of late-season nectar, such as flowering Ivy, which is a primary food source for many autumnal moths. Because these moths are small and move quickly, ensure your camera's infrared (IR) night vision is optimized or use a setup with a dedicated macro lens for high-detail captures.

A highly effective way to lure a Barred Sallow directly in front of your lens is by 'sugaring.' You can create a thick, fermented bait by mixing dark brown sugar, black treacle, and a splash of stale ale. Paint this mixture onto a tree trunk or a fence post at about chest height and position your camera approximately 12 to 18 inches away. The intense scent of the fermenting sugar mimics the tree sap they naturally crave, and the moth will often sit still for long periods while feeding, allowing the AI to trigger and capture a clear, crisp image.

If you are using light as an attractant, position your camera to face a white sheet or a flat, light-colored wall near an outdoor light source. Barred Sallows are attracted to light but often settle on nearby surfaces rather than flying directly into the bulb. Set your camera's trigger sensitivity to its highest setting and use 'burst' or 'multi-shot' mode. This ensures that even if the moth only lands for a few seconds, you get multiple frames to choose from, increasing the likelihood of a perfect wing-spread shot.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Barred Sallow.

Pink-barred Sallow

Features more purplish-pink mottled markings rather than the distinct dark bands of the Barred Sallow.

The Sallow

Generally a paler yellow color with less intense markings, often appearing more 'washed out' compared to the Barred Sallow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Barred Sallow are strictly nocturnal, meaning they are active only after dark. You are most likely to see them on your camera between 9 PM and the early hours of the morning, particularly on mild, overcast autumn nights when the temperature doesn't drop too low.

The best way to attract Barred Sallow is to provide late-season food sources like flowering Ivy or by using a 'sugar' bait made of treacle and brown sugar painted onto trees. Planting Beech or Sycamore trees also provides the necessary host plants for their larvae.

Adult Barred Sallow moths feed on nectar from late-blooming flowers like Ivy, as well as tree sap and juices from overripe fruit. As caterpillars, they feed on the catkins and leaves of Beech and Sycamore trees.

Yes, they are quite common in suburban gardens, especially in older neighborhoods with mature deciduous trees. They are widely distributed across Europe and are a frequent visitor to garden light traps during the autumn months.

The Barred Sallow is distinguished by its vibrant golden-orange color and the two very clear, broad dark bands (the 'bars') across the forewings. Similar species like the Pink-barred Sallow have more mottled, pinkish markings and lack the clean definition of the Barred Sallow's bands.

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