Brindled Beauty (Lycia hirtaria, (Clerck, 1759))

Geometridae: Ennominae

1927 (ABH70.248) Brindled Beauty Lycia hirtaria, (Clerck, 1759)

Great Staughton

Photo © Peter Bissell

Great Staughton

Photo © Peter Bissell

pre-2000

2000-2009

2010-2019

2020-onwards

April 2009, Great Staughton

Photo © Peter Bissell

Great Staughton

Photo © Peter Bissell

Great Staughton

Photo © Peter Bissell

CEH Monks Wood. 27th March 2007. Security light.

Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies

Monks Wood NNR. 11th April 2008. Light trap.

Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies

Hemingford Grey, 11th May 2021. Male. Light trap.

Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies

Storrington, West Sussex, 7th April 2018. Light trap. Male.

Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies

Orton Northgate

Photo © Brian Stone

General Information

Pupates in loose soil.

Overwinters as Overwinters as a pupa.
Male readily comes to light, sometimes in numbers. Female not.
Often found at rest during day

Forewing length: 19-23mm.
Foodplant(s): Downy Birch (Betula pubescens), Silver Birch (Betula pendula), hawthorns (Crataegus spp.), lime (Tilia spp.), elms (Ulmus spp.), Alder (Alnus glutinosa), sallows (Salix spp.), oaks (Quercus spp.), broadleaved trees
Flying: One generation, March-late May
UK Presence: Resident
National status: Common

Habitat

Woodland and suburban habitats.

Regional Information

Recorded in 71 (26.3%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in May 2021

Recorded date range (Adult): 21 February to 23 June

Recorded date range (Larva/Leafmine): 14 June to 01 August

Similar Species

Monks Wood

Small Brindled Beauty Apocheima hispidaria

Great Staughton, March 2012

Pale Brindled Beauty Phigalia pilosaria (=Apocheima)

Larva/Leafmine:

Larva Type:

Smooth

Colours:

Brown, grey, red, yellow

No. of Proleg Pairs:

1927 (ABH70.248) Brindled Beauty Lycia hirtaria, (Clerck, 1759)

KR07674