What's this moth?

[thingwild]

Hi I can't work out what this is? Can someone help please? Thanks.

[GuyF]

Hi and welcome to the site!
Some features seem a bit unusual, but my best suggestion would be a worn Barred Straw resting with its wings up.
Guy

[Miss Caretaker]

I think it's a Garden Pebble - Evergestis forficalis . They rest with a distinctive 'tent' shape to their wings. Here's one I got in my trap a few nights ago:

Jo

[GuyF]

Just to show you where I'm coming from, I get the impression that the photo is looking down on a moth with the wings up like this Barred Straw by Rob Sutton

I was slightly put off by the markings e.g. the lack of any dark blotches towards the outer edge, but this worn individual from John looks similar

But I suppose it all comes down to whether the wings are down or up!
Guy

[Miss Caretaker]

I see what you mean. I was looking at it as if the wings were resting like the Garden Pebble, but I wasn't sure because of the 3rd dark line where the wing joins the body (don't know what that bit's called!) which the Garden Pebble doesn't have. Looking at the wing in the top of the pic it does look like it's resting as you suggest. I bow to your superior knowledge and concur with your ID
Jo

[thingwild]

Thanks very much.

[Pete Collins]

Originally Posted by Miss Caretaker

I see what you mean. I was looking at it as if the wings were resting like the Garden Pebble, but I wasn't sure because of the 3rd dark line where the wing joins the body (don't know what that bit's called!) which the Garden Pebble doesn't have. Looking at the wing in the top of the pic it does look like it's resting as you suggest. I bow to your superior knowledge and concur with your ID
Jo

Never mind, Jo - you inadvertently helped me ID two of mine, which matched your photo! Thanks!

[toolbox]

I find it reassuring that I am not the only one who finds it difficult at times to identify moths 100% of the time..! GuyF, when you mention the 'worn individual', are you suggesting that moth markings fade with age? This is something I was previously unaware of, and would love for you to tell me thats the case because it elimintes a great deal of false ID's.
cheers

[Miss Caretaker]

As the moth gets older and brushes against plants, windows, traps etc the small scales which make up the patterning on the wings wear off making them look faded. That's how I believe it happens, anyway. I expect someone can explain it better though!

[toolbox]

Ah, now that was exactly my take on it..! brilliant! It certainly makes perfect sense though... thankyou