About Xylocampa areola Esper, 1789
The Early Grey, with the scientific name Xylocampa areola Esper, 1789, is a moth species belonging to the family Noctuidae. It can be found in Europe and Morocco. This species has a wingspan ranging from 32 to 40 mm. In Seitz's description, the forewing is pale grey mixed with darker tones, and it is darkest in the median and marginal areas. The veins have scattered black speckles. A black streak runs from the base along the submedian fold, with a whitish patch located above it. The two dark lines of the forewing approach one another below the median and are edged with white on opposite sides. Both the orbicular and reniform stigmata are large, 8-shaped, and pale grey with darker centres. The orbicular stigma projects obliquely below the median and connects to the reniform stigma at this point. The submarginal line is white and serrate, and it is followed by a row of black marginal lunules. The deep fringe is grey, mottled with paler tones. The hindwing is pale grey, with a darker cell spot, darker veins, and a darker outer line. In the form suffusa Tutt, the dark median area below the stigmata turns blackish, and combines with the black streak from the base to form a curved black marking. The larva of Xylocampa areola is dull pinkish ochreous, with a paler dorsal line and dark brown blotches on the dorsum of the 7th and 8th segments. The 11th body segment is slightly humped. The adult moth flies from February to May, with the timing varying based on location. The larvae feed on honeysuckle of Lonicera species.
