Xylocampa areola

The Early Grey (Xylocampa areola) is a species of moth of the family Noctuidae. It is found in Europe and Morocco.

The wingspan is 32–40 mm. Seitz describes it - Forewing pale grey varied with darker, darkest in median and marginal areas ; veins black-speckled ; a black streak from base on submedian fold, with a whitish patch above it; the two lines black, approximating below median, conversely edged with white; orbicular and reniform stigmata large, 8-shaped, pale grey, with darker centres, the orbicular projecting obliquely below median and connected there with reniform; submarginal line white, serrate, followed by a row of black marginal lunules; fringe deep, grey mottled with paler; hindwing pale grey, the cell spot, veins, and outer line darker: in the form suffusa Tutt the dark median area below the stigmata becomes blackish and forms with the black streak from base a curved black marking. The larva is dull pinkish ochreous, with a paler dorsal line and dark brown blotches on dorsum on segments 7 and 8; the 11th segment is slightly humped. The moth flies from February to May depending on the location.

The larvae feed on honeysuckle (Lonicera species).