Geometridae: Ennominae

1922 (ABH70.243) Swallow-tailed Moth Ourapteryx sambucaria, (Linnaeus, 1758)

KR07659

Great Staughton
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
 pre-2000
 2000-2009
 2010-2019
 2020-onwards
Great Staughton
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Great Staughton
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Hemingford Grey
Hemingford Grey
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Cambridge
Cambridge
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Cambridge
Cambridge
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Cambridge (ex Marc Botham). Photo 31st Aug. 2007.
Cambridge (ex Marc Botham). Photo 31st Aug. 2007.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies


General Information

This species has a pale yellow body with white wings which have a fine orange edge and orange stripes.

 

Pupates in a loose cocoon on the food plant.

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

Forewing length: 22-30mm.
Foodplant(s): hawthorns (Crataegus spp.), Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), Goat Willow (Salix caprea), Black Currant (Ribes nigrum), Elder (Sambucus nigra), Horse-chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum), privets (Ligustrum spp.), Ivy (Hedera helix), broadleaved shrubs
Flying: One generation, late June-mid August
UK Presence: Resident
National status: Common

Habitat

Woodlands, gardens and open spaces.

Regional Information

Recorded in 137 (50.7%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in October 2025

Recorded date range (Adult): 08 June to 12 October

Recorded date range (Larva/Leafmine): 18 May to 12 July



Larva/Leafmine:
Larva Type:
With lumps, bumps or horn(s)
Colours:
Brown
No. of Proleg Pairs:
2