Geometridae

70.204 Light Orange Underwing Archiearis notha (Hübner, [1803])

Notable B

Similar species: The male Orange Underwing Archiearis parthenias has serrated antennae rather than slightly feathered. The female Orange Underwing is similar in colour to the male whereas the female Light Orange Underwing is usually much greyer than the male.

Forewing: 15 to 17mm

Habitats: Large open clearings usually in ancient deciduous woodland.

Habits: The moths fly around the tree tops in morning sunshine gradually flying lower as the morning passes. Around midday they start to fly just above the ground looking more like a small butterfly than a moth. By 1.00pm they may be found in numbers drinking from muddy area of paths that are in full sun. By 2.00pm they have started to fly higher again.

Foodplant: The larva feeds on the leaves of mature Aspen trees which are producing plenty of catkins. The larva probably feeds initially on the catkins, although this has not been recorded. It rests during the day in a shelter formed from spun leaves. It pupates in a cocoon spun into the surface of soft bark or rotten wood.