πŸ¦‹ Butterflies & Moths

Silver Y

Autographa gamma

About Silver Y

A migratory moth marked with a bright silvery Y or gamma symbol on each forewing. Billions migrate northward across Europe each spring in one of nature's great insect movements.

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Did You Know?

Radar studies revealed that up to 250 million Silver Y moths cross into Britain in a single summer.

How to Identify Silver Y

Silver Y (Autographa gamma) belongs to the order Lepidoptera, family Noctuidae. Adults typically measure 35-45 mm wingspan.

Silver Y Habitat

Silver Y is found in farmland habitats, particularly across Europe, Asia, Africa. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.

Silver Y Diet and Feeding

Silver Y feeds primarily on nectar from flowers. In doing so, it acts as an important pollinator, transferring pollen between plants and contributing to plant reproduction and biodiversity.

Where Is Silver Y Found?

Silver Y can be found in Europe, Asia, Africa, where it inhabits farmland environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.

Distribution Map

Where Silver Y can be found

Is Silver Y Dangerous?

Silver Y is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.

Silver Y Role in Nature

Silver Y plays an important role as a pollinator. By visiting flowers to feed on nectar or pollen, it transfers pollen between plants, aiding in reproduction and helping to maintain plant diversity. Pollinators are essential for the production of many fruits, vegetables, and wildflowers.

Seasonal Activity

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Peak activity Moderate Low / dormant

Frequently Asked Questions About Silver Y

What does Silver Y look like?

The Silver Y typically measures 35-45 mm wingspan.

Where is Silver Y found?

The Silver Y is found in Europe, Asia, Africa and typically inhabits farmland environments.

What does Silver Y eat?

The Silver Y feeds primarily on nectar from flowers.

Is Silver Y dangerous to humans?

The Silver Y is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.

What is an interesting fact about Silver Y?

Radar studies revealed that up to 250 million Silver Y moths cross into Britain in a single summer.

Cite This Page

APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Silver Y (Autographa gamma). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/silver-y

MLA:
"Silver Y." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/silver-y.