Geometridae

70.040 Lead Belle Scotopteryx mucronata (Scopoli, 1763)

Local

Similar species: July Belle Scotopteryx luridata usually has a small round dot closer to the second cross-line on the forewing rather than the third. Also the white zig-zag crossline in the outer area of the wing is usually faint. All of these markings can be variable and if you are unsure of the ID check the genitalia.

Forewing: 15 to 19mm

Habitats: Heathland, moorland, acid grassland, rough or scrub grassland.

Habits: The moth is easily disturbed in the day. It comes to light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds on the leaves of Gorse, Broom, Petty Whin and Dyer's Greenweed. It pupates attached to the foodplant or in the leaf litter.