Geometridae: Ennominae

1932 (ABH70.253) Spring Usher Agriopis leucophaearia, ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)

KR07693

Carmarthenshire
Carmarthenshire
 Photo © Martin Lovell
Carmarthenshire
 Photo © Martin Lovell
 pre-2000
 2000-2009
 2010-2019
 2020-onwards
Carmarthenshire
Carmarthenshire
 Photo © Martin Lovell
Monks Wood
Monks Wood
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
CEH Monks Wood. 24-01-2008. Light trap.
CEH Monks Wood. 24-01-2008. Light trap.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Monks Wood NNR. 31-01-2006. Light trap.
Monks Wood NNR. 31-01-2006. Light trap.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
CEH Monks Wood. 21st Jan 2008. Light trap.
CEH Monks Wood. 21st Jan 2008. Light trap.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Hemingford Grey, 24th January 2020. Male.
Hemingford Grey, 24th January 2020. Male.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Monks Wood NNR, 17th Jn. 2007. MAle.
Monks Wood NNR, 17th Jn. 2007. MAle.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Monks Wood NNR. 07-01-2008. Light trap.
Monks Wood NNR. 07-01-2008. Light trap.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
CEH Monks Wood. 7th Feb. 2008. Light trap.
CEH Monks Wood. 7th Feb. 2008. Light trap.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Monks Wood NNR, 31st Jan 2006. Light trap.
Monks Wood NNR, 31st Jan 2006. Light trap.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
CEH Monks Wood. 31-01-2008. Light trap.
CEH Monks Wood. 31-01-2008. Light trap.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Flightless Female, Monks Wood
Flightless Female, Monks Wood
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Monks Wood
Monks Wood
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies


General Information

The male of this species is very variable from almost black-and-white to a drab grey, but is unlikely to be confused with any other species flying at the same time. The females are wingless.

 

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: 14-17mm.
Foodplant(s): Pedunculate Oak (Quercus robur), Sessile Oak (Quercus petraea)
Flying: One generation, early January-mid March
UK Presence: Resident
National status: Common

Habitat

Mature oak woodland, heathland with scrub oak.

Regional Information

Recorded in 28 (10.4%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in February 2024

Recorded date range (Adult): 03 January to 20 December

Recorded date range (Larva/Leafmine): 23 May to 05 June

Similar Species
Great Staughton, March 2012
Great Staughton, March 2012
 Photo © Peter Bissell
March Moth Alsophila aescularia
Great Staughton
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Dotted Border Agriopis marginaria
 Photo © Barry Dickerson
Mottled Umber Erannis defoliaria


Larva/Leafmine:
Larva Type:
Smooth
Colours:
Grey, green, black
No. of Proleg Pairs:
2