Geometridae

70.106 Winter Moth Operophtera brumata (Linnaeus, 1758)

Common

Similar species: Northern Winter Moth Operophtera fagata is on average larger and paler with longer, less rounded forewings and off-white hindwings. The flightless female has wings that extend more than half way down the abdomen.

Forewing: 13 to 16mm

Habitats: Woodland, scrub, hedgerows, orchards, gardens, marshes, fens, heathland, moorland and most other habitats that have the foodplants except high altitudes sites.

Habits: The male flies from dusk and comes to light. Both sexes can occasionally be found by searching tree trunks, branches and twigs.

Foodplant: The larva feeds on Blackthorn, Hawthorn, Apple, oaks, sallows, birches, Hazel, Sycamore, Wild Service-tree and most other deciduous trees, also Heather and Bog-myrtle. It is a major pest of Lodgepole Pine and Sitka Spruce. It pupates in a tough cocoon under the leaf litter or in the soil.