Identification

Care required to separate from Winter Moth so check the hindwing which is whitish, compared to brown in Winter Moth. The male is larger than Winter Moth with a glossy sheen on the forewing. If uncertain record as Winter Moth agg (Operophtera sp.).

Female has vestigial wings and is flightless.

Recording method

Both sexes can be found by searching suitable trees and hedges with a torch by night.  Males come to light.

Life cycle

One generation. Overwinters as an egg on its foodplant. Larvae are present April to June, with pupation taking place underground.

Larval foodplants

Mainly woodland with Alder and birches.

Habitat

Gardens, heathland, woodland 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.