Taken at Otmoor, Oxon., on July 14th 2025. (© David Hastings)
(1/1000th sec at f/11)

Description

Family: Geometridae (ABH : 70.025)

Wing span: 24 - 26mm

The wings are white or creamy white, rather rounded, with a fine scattering of black scales and several slightly wavy or curved pale brown cross-lines. Both fore- and hind-wings may have a central black dot.

It is well distributed in southern England and coastal counties of Wales. Very local in northern England and SW Scotland.

Habitats are damp grassland and marshes with rank vegetation, in river valleys and other low-lying areas.

There is one generation from late June to early August. It over-winters as a larva.

Larvae feed on Meadowsweet and Common Valerian.

It flies from dusk and comes to light. It can be disturbed from vegetation during the day.

Earliest UK sighting: 14th July

Sightings