Identification

Very variable in colour, but told from other green geometrids by the presence of reddish-brown marbling or streaks on the forewing.

Recording method

Found at ivy flowers and sallow catkins, comes to light.

Life cycle

One generation late summer and autumn, with the adult female overwintering, reappearing after hibernation in the spring. Larvae are present June to August, with pupation in plant debris.

Larval foodplants

Larvae feed on various trees, especially oaks.

Habitat

Broadleaved woodland, scrub, hedgerows, gardens and other places with trees.

History

First recorded for Dumfries and Galloway in 1862 for VC72 at the Crichton Institution, Dumfries by Lennon, in 1898 for VC74 at Corsemalzie by Gordon who stated it was ‘scarce, with one being found at a window at home’, and not util 1974 for VC73 at Gatehouse of Fleet in the Rothamsted moth trap there.