Geometridae

70.133 Small Rivulet Perizoma alchemillata (Linnaeus, 1758)

Common

Similar species: Rivulet Perizoma affinitata is larger (12 to 15mm) and usually lacks the double indentation on the inside of the white band where the indentations are roughly equal in size. If a second indentation is present it is much smaller.

Forewing: 9 to 11mm

Habitats: Open woodland, woodland rides and clearings, scrub on calcareous downland, hedgerows, green lanes, marshes, wasteground and gardens.

Habits: The moth is occasionally disturbed in the day. It flies from dusk and comes to light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds on the flowers and seeds of Common Hemp-nettle. Where this is absent it probably feeds on Hedge Woundwort. It pupates under the soil.