1799 Operophtera brumata (Winter Moth)

A common Winter species which can appear rather unexpectedly when no moths are expected. Often seen as a moth on the outside of a lighted window, or fluttering in the headlights of vehicles when driving down smaller roads. These are all the males, as females are wingless which have to be looked for on a wide variety of shrubs and trees anywhere after dark.

The male flight season is specified in the UK as October to January, but in Cornwall this is extended right through to March.