Pale Brindled Beauty - Phigalia pilosaria

Description

Wingspan 35 to 40 mm. The females of this species are completely wingless (apterous), a feature which is often found in moths which emerge in the winter months. The species shows marked melanism, the black form f. monacharia being commoner than the typical form in certain parts.

Identification difficulty
Habitat

It may be found in a wide variety of habitats, often in areas with trees.

When to see it

The males fly from January to March, searching for the females which have climbed up tree-trunks. They are attracted to light.

Life History

The caterpillars feed in late spring on a number of deciduous trees.

UK Status

Although widespread in Britain it is more common in England and Wales, and scarcer elsewhere. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.

VC55 Status

Fairly common in Leicestershire and Rutland. L&R Moth Group status = A (common and resident)

Reference
70.247 BF1926

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2020+ | 2015-2019 | pre-2015

UK Map

Species profile

Common names
Pale Brindled Beauty
Species group:
Moths
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Lepidoptera
Family:
Geometridae
Records on NatureSpot:
133
First record:
08/02/2011 (Calow, Graham)
Last record:
15/02/2024 (Dale Green)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

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