Geometridae

70.254 Scarce Umber Agriopis aurantiaria (Hübner, [1799])

Common

Similar species: Dotted Border Agriopis marginaria is superficially similar, but has very prominent dark dots around the edge of the wing and does not fly until early in the year when Scarce Umber is finished. The flightless female has similar but larger wings than the female Scarce Umber, with two dark cross-lines and a broad, light outer area.

Forewing: 17 to 21mm

Habitats: Deciduous woodland with mature trees, mature scrub and gardens in wooded areas.

Habits: The male comes to light. The female can be searched for on tree trunks in the early morning.

Foodplant: The larva feeds on Downy Birch, Silver Birch, sallows, Blackthorn, Hawthorn, Midland Hawthorn, Hazel, Hornbeam, Beech, Pedunculate Oak, Dog-rose, English Elm, limes and many other deciduous trees.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on Wild Cherry and maples.