Red List: Least Concern (LC). GB Status: Common

Identification

Usually distinctive. Care required, potential confusion with Winter Moth. If uncertain, record as Winter Moth agg.

Female has vestigial wings and is flightless.

Recording method

Both sexes can be found by searching suitable trees with a torch at night.  Males attracted to light.

Life cycle

One generation. Overwinters as an egg on its foodplant. Larvae April to June. Pupates underground.

Larval foodplants

Mainly Alder and birches but also reported on oaks and fruit trees.

Habitat

Woodland,, heathland, gardens and scrubby areas.

History

First recorded for Dumfries and Galloway in 1862 for VC73  in Mabie Forest by Lennon who stated that it was ‘not common’, in 1815 for VC74 at Corsemalzie by Gordon who stated that it ‘seemed scarce, having only taken a few at Corsemalzie’ but not until 1975 for VC72 at Sanquhar and Scaur Water by Pelham-Clinton.