Geometridae

70.252 Peppered Moth Biston betularia (Linnaeus, 1758)

Common

Similar species: Although variable, this moth is not likely to be mistaken for other British or Irish species.

Forewing: 22 to 28mm

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

Habits: The moth comes to light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds on limes, Downy Birch, Silver Birch, sallows, poplars, oaks, Beech, Sweet Chestnut, Blackthorn, Hawthorn, Midland Hawthorn, roses, Black Currant, Wild Hop, Mugwort, Michaelmas Daisy, Goldenrod and many other deciduous tree and plant species. It pupates just under the soil.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on elms, Goat Willow, Brambles and Field Wormwood.