Geometridae: Ennominae

1884 (ABH70.205) Magpie Moth Abraxas grossulariata, (Linnaeus, 1758)

KR07522

ex. larva, Monks Wood
ex. larva, Monks Wood
 Photo © Peter Bissell
ex. larva, Monks Wood
 Photo © Peter Bissell
 pre-2000
 2000-2009
 2010-2019
 2020-onwards
Great Staughton
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Aberration, Earith
Aberration, Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
ex. larva, Monks Wood
ex. larva, Monks Wood
 Photo © Peter Bissell
ex. larva, Monks Wood
ex. larva, Monks Wood
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Hillesden. Bucks
Hillesden. Bucks
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Monks Wood
Monks Wood
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Monks Wood
Monks Wood
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Hillesden. Bucks
Hillesden. Bucks
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Pupa ex. larva, Monks Wood
Pupa ex. larva, Monks Wood
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Pupa ex. larva, Monks Wood
Pupa ex. larva, Monks Wood
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Old Weston, on currant bushes
Old Weston, on currant bushes
 Photo © Kevin Royles


General Information

This species is unlikely to be confused with any other, except the Small Magpie (Eurrhypara hortulata) micro moth and the Clouded Magpie (A. sylvata) which are both considerably smaller.

 

Pupates on the foodplant.

Overwinters as Overwinters as a larva.
Both sexes come to light.
Often found at rest during day

Forewing length: 18-25mm.
Foodplant(s): Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), hawthorns (Crataegus spp.), Hazel (Corylus avellana), privets (Ligustrum spp.), Red Currant (Ribes rubrum), Black Currant (Ribes nigrum), Gooseberry (Ribes uva-crispa), Spindle (Euonymus europaeus)
Flying: One generation, late June-August
UK Presence: Resident
National status: Common

Habitat

Although usually found around moorland heather but can also be found in gardens, woodlands and hedgerows.

Regional Information

Recorded in 133 (49.3%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in July 2023

Recorded date range (Adult): 28 March to 29 September

Recorded date range (Larva/Leafmine): 14 May to 12 July

Similar Species
Carmarthenshire
Carmarthenshire
 Photo © Martin Lovell
Clouded Magpie Abraxas sylvata


Larva/Leafmine:
Larva Type:
Wrinkled
Colours:
White, black, orange
No. of Proleg Pairs:
2