Geometridae

70.293 Straw Belle Aspitates gilvaria gilvaria ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)

RDB / possible Immigrant

Aspitates gilvaria burrenensis Cockayne, 1951, Ireland

Similar species: Vestal Rhodometra sacraria is smaller (12 to 14mm) and lacks any speckles. Yellow Belle Aspitates ochrearia has an inner cross-line.

Forewing: 15 to 18mm

Habitats: Rough chalk grassland and quarries.

Habits: The moth is easily disturbed in the day. It flies from dusk and comes to light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds on Common Bird's-foot Trefoil, Fairy Flax, Wild Thyme, Black Medick, Creeping Cinquefoil, Yarrow, Wild Parsnip and other herbaceous plants. In captivity it will accept Knotgrass. It pupates in a flimsy cocoon attached to the foodplant or in the leaf litter.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on Broom, Sainfoin, St. John's-worts and wormwoods.