Insects Active at night

Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing

Noctua janthe

iNaturalist Wikipedia

A master of disguise with a hidden flash of gold, this common garden moth is a nighttime jewel waiting to be discovered by your lens.

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0 Habitats

Quick Identification

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Size

Wingspan of 35–45 mm (1.4–1.8 inches)

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Colors

Forewings are variable, ranging from pale clay to deep purplish-brown; hindwings are bright orange-yellow with a wide black border.

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Key Features

Purplish sheen on the forewings in certain light
Vivid yellow-orange hindwings with a thick black band
Rests with wings folded flat over the body
Subtle kidney-shaped and oval markings on the upper wings

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern Active at night

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Peak hours 10 PM - 3 AM

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Season July-September

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Diet Adults drink nectar from garden flowers like Buddleia and Ragwort; larvae feed on a variety of low-growing plants including docks, primroses, and hawthorn.

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Habitat Commonly found in suburban gardens, woodland clearings, hedgerows, and grassy meadows.

Behavior

The Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing is a nocturnal specialist, spending its daylight hours tucked away in dense vegetation or leaf litter. When disturbed during the day, it employs a clever 'startle' defense: it flashes its brilliant yellow hindwings to confuse a potential predator before quickly diving back into the undergrowth to hide.

As the sun sets, these moths become highly active, visiting a wide variety of garden flowers to feed on nectar. Unlike some more specialist species, they are generalists and are frequently seen in suburban environments. They are strong fliers and are notably attracted to artificial light sources and fermented sugar baits, making them a staple species for backyard observers using light traps or bait stations.

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Camera Tips

To capture high-quality images of the Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing, you should focus your efforts on the peak summer months of July and August. Since these moths are nocturnal, an AI-powered camera with strong infrared (IR) capabilities is essential. However, to see their true colors—especially that signature yellow underwing—consider placing a low-intensity, motion-activated white light near your camera station. This will allow the camera to record in color mode rather than black-and-white IR.

A highly effective way to lure this species into your camera's field of view is 'sugar-roping.' Soak short lengths of thick cotton rope in a fermented mixture of cheap red wine, brown sugar, and treacle, then drape them over a branch or fence post about 4 to 5 feet off the ground. Position your camera on a tripod roughly 12-18 inches away from the rope. Because these moths are relatively small, use a macro lens or adjust your camera’s focal settings to 'close-up' to ensure the wing patterns are sharp and clear.

Set your camera's motion sensitivity to high. Moths move quickly and erratically, so a fast trigger speed is vital. If your camera supports a 'burst mode,' enable it; capturing 3-5 photos in quick succession increases your chances of catching the moth with its wings slightly open, revealing the vibrant yellow that gives the species its name. Avoid placing the camera in areas with heavy wind, as swaying branches will cause false triggers at high sensitivity levels.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing.

Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing

Very similar, but typically larger with a more prominent dark mark on the underside of the forewing tip.

Large Yellow Underwing

Significantly larger with much narrower black bands on the yellow hindwings.

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Frequently Asked Questions

They are strictly nocturnal, becoming active shortly after dusk and remaining on the wing until the early hours of the morning, usually peaking between 11 PM and 2 AM.

The best way to attract them is by planting nectar-rich flowers like Buddleia or Verbena bonariensis, or by using a light trap or sugar-bait (a mix of wine and sugar) painted onto tree trunks.

Adult moths feed on nectar from various wildflowers and garden plants. Their caterpillars are less picky, munching on the leaves of docks, sallows, hawthorn, and various grasses.

Yes, they are one of the most common 'underwing' species found in European gardens and are very well-adapted to urban and suburban environments.

The Lesser version (Noctua janthe) typically has a more purplish tint to its forewings and lacks the large, dark rectangular spot on the underside of the forewing tip that is found on the Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing (Noctua janthina).

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