About moths – Grey chi

Text and photos  Aare Lindt, www.loodusmuuseum.ee
Translation Liis

Grey chi

Grey chi    Hall-kribuöölane     Antitype chi

The grey chi is a common moth in Estonia. In August and the first half of September they should be seen everywhere but they often remain unnoticed by us thanks to their good camouflage colouring.

The grey chi is easily recognizable. It has its Latin and English names from the black bands on the wings that resemble the Greek letter χ (chi). The moth is active at night and enjoys artificial light. Because of this they sometimes fall asleep in daytime on house walls.

The caterpillars feed on various shrubs and on many lower herbaceous plants. The eggs overwinter.