Lesser Swallow Prominent - Pheosia gnoma

Wingspan 45-50 mm. This species is very similar to Swallow Prominent (P. tremula) but can be identified with care. It is brown and white with a white triangular wedge near the corner of the hind wing, and it lacks the wavy white line in the blackish area of the hindwing found in P. tremula.

Woodland, heathland, parks and gardens.

There are two generations - on the wing in May and June and later in August.

The larvae feed on Birch and overwinter as pupae underground.

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

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