Taken at Abingdon, Oxon., on September 1st 2021. (© David Hastings)
(1/400th sec at f9)

Description

Family: Geometridae (ABH : 70.100)

Wing span: 24 - 30mm

The green ground colour of the forewing and the arrangement of black blotches and cross-lines are diagnostic. The ground colour fades fairly quickly to white or pinkish-white.

It can be found throughout the British Isles.

It occupies many habitats, from gardens to hedgerows, woodland rides, grasslands, fens and high moorland.

There are two generations in southern Britain (as far north as Yorkshire), May to mid-July and August to early September. There is only one generation further north, June to August. It over-winters as a larva.

Larvae feed on Hedge Bedstraw, Heath Bedstraw and probably other bedstraws.

It comes to light in small numbers. Easily disturbed by day, and flies at dusk.

Earliest UK sighting: 27th April ; Latest UK sighting: 16th September

Sightings