70.105 Northern Winter Moth Copyright Martin Evans
70.105 Northern Winter Moth female Copyright Martin Evans
70.105 Northern Winter Moth and Winter Moth Copyright Martin Evans
Distribution map Copyright Martin Evans
Life stages table Copyright Martin Evans 70.105 Northern Winter Moth Copyright Martin Evans

Geometridae

70.105 Northern Winter Moth Operophtera fagata (Scharfenberg, 1805)

Common

Similar species: Winter Moth Operophtera brumata is on average smaller and darker with more rounded forewings and greyer hindwings. The flightless female has very short wings that extend less than a quarter way down the abdomen.

Forewing: 14 to 18mm

Habitats: Woodland, scrub, heathland, orchards and gardens.

Habits: The male flies from dusk and comes to light. Both sexes can be found after dark resting on Bracken near its foodplants.

Foodplant: The larva feeds mainly on birches and Alder, but also Beech, Apple, Wild Cherry, Plum and other deciduous trees. It pupates in loose soil or under the leaf litter.