TL:DR – The first White-point of my mothing year in the garden 4th June 2023.
The White-point (Mythimna albipuncta) is one of the moth species we refer to as the Noctuidae, the owlets. It has perhaps the most obvious of names given its appearance.
The White-point is an immigrant species to the British Isles, primarily found in the southern and southeastern regions of England, although it is seen in Norfolk. I’ve had it numerous times in my Cambridgeshire garden over my five years of serious mothing.
In some years, hundreds are reported and there is some evidence that it might even breed here in good years, although whether that has led to established colonies is not yet known. One might posit that its presence increases overall diversity, but that would only really have a significant long-term impact if it were to establish itself as a breeding species in the UK. That said, it, and its larvae, might already be providing food for other species, such as omnivorous birds, mammals, and amphibians and as such affecting eco-systems in a small way. Its larvae feed on various species of grass.
The species usually flies from August to September, but can be seen on the wing at any time from June into October. It is common across Europe.