70.111 (BF1875)

Small White Wave   

Asthena albulata
Macro
Geometridae
Adult: 2
Resident?, very rare, local. Widely distributed in the southern half of England, scattered records further north. Very few, scattered records in Scotland to Caithness. Has decreased significantly in distribution since 1970.

Identification

Unmistakable. Due to its rarity status a specimen or quality photo required for record acceptance.

Recording method

Easily disturbed by day, flies from sunset until dark, comes to light in very small numbers.

Life cycle

One generation. Overwinters as a pupa, among the plant debris. Larvae are present from late June through to August.

Larval foodplants

Birches, Hazel, Hornbeam and wild roses.

Habitat

Ancient broadleaved woodland.

History

First recorded for Dumfries and Galloway in 1862 for VC73 at Dalskairth by Lennon.  Next recorded in 1995 also for VC73 at Rockcliffe by Peter Norman, then in 1996 for VC72 at Durisdeer by Caroline Allen.  Not yet recorded for VC74.

8 record(s) from 7 hectad(s) in D&G

VC74 VC73 VC72
Last recorded 2022 2021

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

 East Scotland Butterfly Conservation website - national distribution maps and phenology

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