Geometridae: Ennominae

07686 Peppered Moth Biston betularia, (Linnaeus, 1758)

BF1931 (ABH70.252)

 2010-2016
 2017
 2018
 2019

General Information

This species can be quite variable, but is distinctive. Several named forms exist including a melanic form f. carbonaria and an intermediate form f. insularia.

 

Pupates in loose soil.

Overwinters as Overwinters as a pupa.
Both sexes readily come to light, sometimes in numbers.

Forewing length: 22-28mm.
Foodplant(s): Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), hawthorns (Crataegus spp.), birches (Betula spp.), lime (Tilia spp.), sallows (Salix spp.), poplars (Populus spp.), oaks (Quercus spp.), Sweet Chestnut (Castanea sativa), Beech (Fagus sylvatica), Rosaceae (Rosaceae spp.), Bramble (Rubus fruticosus), Broom (Cytisus scoparius), broadleaved trees, broadleaved shrubs
Flying: One generation, May-late August
UK Presence: Resident
National status:

Habitat

Woodland, scrub, hedgerows and gardens.

Regional Information

There are no records in the system yet in Bulgaria.

Similar Species
Oak Beauty Biston strataria


Larva/Leafmine:
Larva Type:
Smooth
Colours:
Brown, green, grey, orange, red
No. of Proleg Pairs:
2