Geometridae

70.056 Royal Mantle Catarhoe cuculata (Hufnagel, 1767)

Local

Similar species: This moth is unlikely to be mistaken for any other British or Irish species.

Forewing: 12 to 14mm

Habitats: Calcareous grassland, limestone quarries, sea cliffs, hedge banks, breckland, rides in open woodland on light soils.

Habits: The moth flies from dusk and comes to light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds on the flowers of Lady's Bedstraw and Hedge Bedstraw. It pupates in loose soil under the leaf litter.