Geometridae

70.248 Brindled Beauty Lycia hirtaria (Clerck, 1759)

Common

Similar species: Both sexes of this distinctive moth have wings. The females have simple antennae. There is a rare dark form with only a pale outer cross-line.

Forewing: 19 to 23mm

Habitats: Deciduous woodland, parkland, scrub, hedgerows and gardens.

Habits: The male comes to light from late in the evening. The fully winged female rarely comes to light, but is occasionally found on tree trunks, walls and fences during the day.

Foodplant: The larva feeds on Pedunculate Oak, Evergreen Oak, elms, limes, sallows, Downy Birch, Silver Birch, Alder, Hawthorn, Midland Hawthorn and other deciduous trees and shrubs. It pupates in the soil.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on Ash, Black Locust, Wild Plum, poplars and Bilberry.