Geometridae: Ennominae

1931 (ABH70.252) Peppered Moth Biston betularia, (Linnaeus, 1758)

KR07686

Great Staughton
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
 pre-2000
 2000-2009
 2010-2019
 2020-onwards
ex. Larva, Little Staughton
ex. Larva, Little Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
f. insularia
f. insularia
 Photo © Barry Dickerson
f. carbonaria
f. carbonaria
 Photo © Barry Dickerson
Great Staughton
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Hemingford Grey
Hemingford Grey
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
F. insularia, Hillesden, Bucks
F. insularia, Hillesden, Bucks
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
f. carbonaria, Elton
f. carbonaria, Elton
 Photo © Brian Stone
Hemingford Grey, 26th July 2013
Hemingford Grey, 26th July 2013
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Llanbedr, N Wales, 7th July 2021. Light trap.
Llanbedr, N Wales, 7th July 2021. Light trap.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Monks Wood
Monks Wood
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Little Staughton
Little Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Pupa Case, ex larva, Little Staughton
Pupa Case, ex larva, Little Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell


General Information

This species can be quite variable, but is distinctive. Several named forms exist including a melanic form f. carbonaria and an intermediate form f. insularia.

 

Pupates in loose soil.

Overwinters as Overwinters as a pupa.
Both sexes readily come to light, sometimes in numbers.

Forewing length: 22-28mm.
Foodplant(s): Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), hawthorns (Crataegus spp.), birches (Betula spp.), lime (Tilia spp.), sallows (Salix spp.), poplars (Populus spp.), oaks (Quercus spp.), Sweet Chestnut (Castanea sativa), Beech (Fagus sylvatica), Rosaceae (Rosaceae spp.), Bramble (Rubus fruticosus), Broom (Cytisus scoparius), broadleaved trees, broadleaved shrubs
Flying: One generation, May-late August
UK Presence: Resident
National status: Common

Habitat

Woodland, scrub, hedgerows and gardens.

Regional Information

Recorded in 123 (45.6%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in June 2023

Recorded date range (Adult): 20 April to 08 September

Recorded date range (Larva/Leafmine): 26 May to 18 September

Recorded date range (Pupa): 30 March to 07 April

Similar Species
Great Staughton, March 2012
Great Staughton, March 2012
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Oak Beauty Biston strataria


Larva/Leafmine:
Larva Type:
Smooth
Colours:
Brown, green, grey, orange, red
No. of Proleg Pairs:
2