Satellite (moth)

Eupsilia transversa, the satellite, is a moth of the family Noctuidae. The species was first described by Johann Siegfried Hufnagel in 1766. It is distributed throughout the Palearctic.

This is a fairly variable species with greyish or reddish-brown forewings, often marked with darker bands. The common name derives from the prominent stigma ranging in colour from white or yellow to red, which has two smaller spots close to it, appearing to be in orbit. The hindwings are brown with a paler fringe. The wingspan is 40–48 mm. This species flies at night from September to April and is active on mild nights throughout the winter. It will come to light but is more strongly attracted to sugar and various flowers.