Burnished brass

The sheen comes from microscopic structures on the forewing scales that reflect light, rather than from ordinary green metallic pigment alone. Its appearance can change with the viewing angle, which helps distinguish Diachrysia chrysitis from many other brown noctuid moths.

The larvae feed on plants including stinging nettle and hemp-nettle. Because nettles commonly grow in gardens, field margins, and other disturbed ground, the moth can breed in habitats close to people.

Diachrysia chrysitis occurs widely across Europe and extends into parts of Asia. Adults are nocturnal and may visit flowers or come to artificial lights after dark.

Look for broad metallic golden-green patches crossing otherwise brownish forewings. The exact pattern varies, and some forms have the two metallic areas joined while others show a dark band separating them.