Chersotis cuprea is a moth of the family Noctuidae.
There are three recognised subspecies:
Chersotis cuprea have a wingspan of 32–36 millimetres (1.3–1.4 in) in males, of 33–39 millimetres (1.3–1.5 in) in females. This species shows a high variability in the basic colors. Usually the upper side of the forewings is coppery reddish brown (hence the Latin name cuprea), with dark brown markings outlined in thin whitish. The underside of the forewing is dark gray-brown. The hind wings are monochrome gray-brown. Caterpillars are gray-brown, with dark dorsal markings and bright side stripes.[1] Warren (1914) states R. cuprea Schiff. (= haematitedea Esp.) Forewing dull brown, the median area below subcostal vein dark brown; veins and edges of stigmata very finely pale, the stigmata deeper brown; costa darker with fine pale speckling; a dark shade before submarginal line; hindwing greybrown, the fringe yellowish. North Europe (except Britain), Armenia and Kamschatka. — Larva dull brown, with 3 whitish dorsal lines, some oblique black subdorsal streaks, and a grey lateral line; on various low plants.[2]
The moth flies from July to September depending on the location. The larvae feed on Vaccinium myrtillus, on Asteraceae (Centaurea or Taraxacum) and on other plants.[3][4]
This species can be found in Northern Europe, the Pyrenees, Central Europe down to Greece and east through the Ukraine, Siberia, Turkey, the Caucasus and Armenia, up to China and Japan.[3][5]
These moths live in forests and in mountain forests, in nutrient-poor grasslands and especially in partly humid alpine pastures.[4]