Geometridae

70.032 Birch Mocha Cyclophora albipunctata (Hufnagel, 1767)

Local

Similar species: Dingy Mocha Cyclophora pendularia is usually more heavily marked and lacks any pale banding on the forewing.

Forewing: 12 to 14mm

Habitats: Deciduous woodland and birch stands on heathland.

Habits: The moth flies from dusk and comes to light. It has been recorded nectaring at Common Ragwort and Creeping Thistle after dark and occasionally comes to sugar.

Foodplant: The larva feeds on Silver Birch and Downy Birch. In captivity it will also accept Alder. It pupates attached to a birch leaf or stem by a silk girdle.