Willow Beauty (Peribatodes rhomboidaria, ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775))

General Information
This species is quite variable. There is a greyish form, f. perfumaria, as well as an almost black melanic form, f. rebeli.

Pupates on the food plant or in leaf litter.
Overwinters as Overwinters as a larva.
Both sexes readily come to light, sometimes in numbers.
Often found at rest during day

Forewing length: 17-24mm.
Foodplant(s): hawthorns (Crataegus spp.), plums (Prunus spp.), privets (Ligustrum spp.), birches (Betula spp.), Alder Buckthorn (Frangula alnus), honeysuckles (Lonicera spp.), Traveller's-joy (Clematis vitalba), Ivy (Hedera helix), broadleaved trees, broadleaved shrubs
Flying: One/two generations, early June-August and late August-early October
UK Presence: Resident
National status: Common

Habitat

Woodland, scrub, hedgerows, parks and gardens.

Regional Information

Recorded in 149 (55.2%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in October 2021

Recorded date range (Adult): 15 April to 22 November

Recorded date range (Larva/Leafmine): 08 March to 19 September

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