Identification

The small size with rather broad rounded chestnut-coloured forewings separate it from other geometrids. A key feature is the straighter inner edge of the wider central band.

Recording method

Only found near its foodplant juniper.  Comes to light.

Life cycle

One generation. Overwinters as a small larva during September to early June. Pupation takes place in a spinning among the leaves of Common Juniper.

Larval foodplants

Junipers, including garden varieties.

Habitat

Caterpillars feed on Juniper, of which there is a sparce population in the region on coastal cliffs, moorland and a few other locations.

History

First recorded for Dumfries and Galloway for VC73 in 1892 at Dalskairth near Dumfries by Lennon, for VC72 in 1930 at Closeburn by Duncan but for VC74 not until 1999 at Float Bay by Richard Mearns.