70.040 (BF1733)

Lead Belle   

Scotopteryx mucronata
Macro
Geometridae
Adult: 4
Resident(?), rare, very local. There are several records for Dumfries and Galloway but only one has been verified due to difficulties with identification. Widespread but restricted to western heaths and moors in England and Wales and north-east Scotland. Does occur in Cumbria.

See also Moth of the Week (13/06/2024)

Identification

The position of the discal spot on the forewing is the key. Due to the difficulty of separating this species from July Belle, a voucher specimen or good quality photo is required for record acceptance.

Life cycle

One generation. Overwinters as a larva during August to March.

Larval foodplants

Gorse, Broom, Petty Whin and Dyer’s Greenwood.

Habitat

The larval foodplants tend to be found most frequently in coastal or lowland habitats.

History

Only recognised as a full species in the 1920s.  There are eight possible records for Dumfries and Galloway but only one can be verified which is from VC74 in 2015 from Drumore by Richard Mearns.  The other records cannot be fully authenticated due to the difficulty of separating this species from the July Belle.

1 record(s) from 1 hectad(s) in D&G

VC74 VC73 VC72
Last recorded 2015

 UK Moths website - further information on species (with photos)

 East Scotland Butterfly Conservation website - national distribution maps and phenology

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