Northern Winter Moth (Operophtera fagata) | Species | ||||
 Male. Taken at Aston, Oxon., on November 7th 2025. (© David Hastings) (Canon R6+RF100, f/11, 1/200th, ISO3200, 100mm) DescriptionFamily: Geometridae (ABH : 70.105) Wing span: 28 - 32mm The male is quite similar to the Winter Moth, but is larger and paler. The fore-wing is more tapered and the hind-wing is whiteish. The female is flightless, and her vestigial wings reach half the length of her body. It can be found in most of Britain, where it is generally local rather than common. Probably under-recorded owing to its similarity to the Winter Moth. Habitats are woodlands, heathlands, scrub, gardens and orchards. There is one generation from October to December, although mainly in November. The egg is the over-wintering stage. Larvae feed mainly on birches and Alder in woodland, but also reported on Beech and fruit trees such as apples, plums and cherries. The male comes to light. Earliest UK sighting: 7th November Sightings
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