Photo © Mike Wall

Svensson's Copper Underwing

Amphipyra berbera

Checklist Number
73.063 [B&F: 2298]

Verification
Record will require further evidence, at least a good photograph, unless CMR is aware recorder has confidence in identification

Classification

Family:Noctuidae
Subfamily:Amphipyrinae
Genus:Amphipyra
Species:berbera
Authority:Rungs, 1949

Common in woodland, scrub, hedgerows, gardens and parks throughout much of England, Wales and southern Scotland. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight distribution poorly known due to confusion with A. pyramidea, but there is, as yet, no conclusive evidence that either species is present in an area where the other is not. Wingspan 47-54 mm. Please note: it has been proved empirically that the only safe way of separating this species as an adult from the closely related Copper Underwing A. pyramidea is to view the underside of the hindwings. Please see that species for a comparative photo.
In pyramidea the underside of the hindwing's discal area is a pale straw yellow which contrasts with the orange-copper shading of the terminal area. In berbera this discal area is suffused orange-copper in the dorsal half which continues to the termen.
Please indicate when submitting records that this check has been performed.
Larva feeds on Pedunculate Oak, over-wintering as an egg.

Updated: July 2019 (comparison between species)

The abundance in each month is indicated as follows:

No records
Very occasional
Irregular
Uncommon
Off-peak, but not unusual
Off-peak, but not unusual
Main flight time
J F M A M J J A S O N D
Adult
Larval

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)