Notodontidae: Notodontinae

2006 (ABH71.018) Lesser Swallow Prominent Pheosia gnoma, (Fabricius, [1777])

KR08728

Great Staughton, May 2012
Great Staughton, May 2012
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Great Staughton, May 2012
 Photo © Peter Bissell
 pre-2000
 2000-2009
 2010-2019
 2020-onwards
Great Staughton, May 2012
Great Staughton, May 2012
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Great Staughton, May 2012
Great Staughton, May 2012
 Photo © Peter Bissell
 Photo © Barry Dickerson
Monks Wood (Ovington plot), 7th Aug. 2007.
Monks Wood (Ovington plot), 7th Aug. 2007.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Whitelye Moor, Gwent
Whitelye Moor, Gwent
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Whitelye, Monmouthshire, 28th Aug. 2007.
Whitelye, Monmouthshire, 28th Aug. 2007.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
nr. Llanbedr, NW Wales, 29th May 2006. Light trap.
nr. Llanbedr, NW Wales, 29th May 2006. Light trap.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Whitelye, Monmouthshire, 31-05-2021. Light trap.
Whitelye, Monmouthshire, 31-05-2021. Light trap.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies


General Information

This species has a more distinct white wedge at the tornus of the forewing than the Swallow Prominent.

 

Pupates in loose soil.

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

Forewing length: 20-26mm.
Foodplant(s): birches (Betula spp.)
Flying: Two generations, late April-June and July-August
UK Presence: Resident
National status: Common

Habitat

Woodland, heathland, moors, parks and gardens.

Regional Information

Recorded in 52 (19.3%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in August 2025

Recorded date range (Adult): 05 April to 30 September

Recorded date range (Larva/Leafmine): 22 August to 19 September

Similar Species
Great Staughton
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Swallow Prominent Pheosia tremula


Larva/Leafmine:
Larva Type:
Glossy
Colours:
Brown, purple, yellow
No. of Proleg Pairs:
5