Silver Υ
Autographa gamma
The moth is named after the distinct silver mark on its forewings that resembles the Greek letter gamma (γ) or a lowercase 'y'.
- Scientific name
- Autographa gamma
- Taxonomy
- Animalia › Arthropoda › Insecta › Lepidoptera › Noctuidae › Autographa
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- stable
- Biome
- grassland
- Habitat
- Meadows, gardens, agricultural fields, and open woodland margins.
- Diet
- Adults drink nectar from various flowers; larvae are generalists feeding on clover, bedstraw, and various crops.
- Range
- Europe, North Africa, Asia
- Size
- 30-45mm wingspan
- Lifespan
- 2-5 weeks as an adult moth
- Active
- diurnal
- Threats
- Intensive agriculture, heavy pesticide use, and loss of wildflower-rich corridors.
- Safe to approach?
- Harmless. These moths are safe to observe at close range. If one enters your home, gently guide it outside using a container and paper. Avoid touching wings to prevent scale damage.
The Silver Y ( Autographa gamma ) is a migratory moth of the family Noctuidae which is named for the silvery Y-shaped mark on each of its forewings.
Photo: ingridaltmann, CC-BY, via iNaturalist
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