Northern Winter Moth - Operophtera fagata

Wingspan 32 to 40 mm. Male is rather similar to the Winter Moth (O. brumata) but paler and silky looking with whitish hindwings. The females have only vestigial wings.

Woodland, scrub, heathland, gardens and orchards.

Flies from October to December but not through the entire winter like O. brumata.

The larvae feed on a number of trees, including Apple and Birch.

Widespread throughout Britain. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.

Occasional in Leicestershire and Rutland. LR Moth Group status = C (very scarce resident or rare migrant)