Geometridae: Ennominae

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

KR07674

Great Staughton
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
 pre-2000
 2000-2009
 2010-2019
 2020-onwards
April 2009, Great Staughton
April 2009, Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Great Staughton
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Great Staughton
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
CEH Monks Wood. 27th March 2007. Security light.
CEH Monks Wood. 27th March 2007. Security light.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Monks Wood NNR. 11th April 2008. Light trap.
Monks Wood NNR. 11th April 2008. Light trap.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Hemingford Grey, 11th May 2021. Male. Light trap.
Hemingford Grey, 11th May 2021. Male. Light trap.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Storrington, West Sussex, 7th April 2018. Light trap. Male.
Storrington, West Sussex, 7th April 2018. Light trap. Male.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
CEH Monks Wood, 23-03-2007. Security light.
CEH Monks Wood, 23-03-2007. Security light.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Orton Northgate
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 77 (28.5%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in May 2025

Recorded date range (Adult): 06 February to 23 June

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

Similar Species
Monks Wood
Monks Wood
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Small Brindled Beauty Apocheima hispidaria
Great Staughton, March 2012
Great Staughton, March 2012
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Pale Brindled Beauty Phigalia pilosaria (=Apocheima)


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