Geometridae

70.136 Pretty Pinion Perizoma blandiata blandiata ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)

Local

Perizoma blandiata perfasciata (Prout, 1914)

Hebrides / Rum

Similar species: If care is taken this species is unlikely to be mistaken for other British or Irish species.

Forewing: 9 to 11mm

Habitats: Short-turfed slopes on mountain moorland, sheltered dry ditches along mountain roadsides, upland rough pasture, machair and limestone hills.

Habits: The moth flies in the afternoon and from dusk. It comes to light

Foodplant: The larva feeds on the ripening seeds in the flowers and seed capsules of eyebrights. In the last instar it feeds externally with its head bored into the plant. It pupates in an earthen cocoon just under the soil.