Identification

As one of the largest Geometrids it is easily identified.

Recording method

Comes to light.

Life cycle

Overwinters as a small larva on a stem or twig of the foodplant. Pupates on the ground in the leaf litter.

Larval foodplants

Larvae feed on birches, Hazel and Alder.

Habitat

It is a woodland moth, but can also be found on wooded heaths and bogs.

History

First recorded for Dumfries and Galloway in 1860 for VC72 near Dumfries by Lennon, in 1874 for VC73 in the Castle Douglas area by Robinson-Douglas and in 1897 for VC74 at Corsemalzie by Gordon who had found it ‘scarce along woodsides at dusk’.