Identification

In Mottled Beauty the postmedian line on the upperside of the forewing is sinuous and wavy whereas in Willow Beauty it is jagged (dentate) along the whole length.

Recording method

Comes to light.

Life cycle

One generation. Overwinters as a small larva on the foodplant, during late August to May.

Larval foodplants

A wide variety of wood plants, including hawthorns, birches and spruces.

Habitat

Very abundant in woodland and moorland, but also likes gardens and hedgerows.

History

First recorded for Dumfries and Galloway in 1862 for VC73 at Kirkconnell Flow by Lennon, in 1890   for VC74 at Portpatrick by Gordon who said it was ‘not uncommon’ and could be found ‘on tree trunks and flying at dusk’ and in 1943 for VC72 at Tynron by Duncan.