Taken at Aston, Oxon., on July 26th 2026. (© David Hastings)
(Canon R6+RF100, f/10, 1/250th, ISO 3200, 100mm)

Description

Family: Geometridae (ABH : 70.212)

Wing span: 26 - 30mm

This species is very similar to the Peacock Moth. The fore-wing usually has a distinct grey cross-band running through the paw-print mark, continuing across the hind-wing. The concavity on the outer edge of the fore-wing is usually very dark. The paw-print mark is often smaller and less well formed.

It is found in south-west and southern England, and East Anglia. Also South Wales and along the Lincolnshire and Yorkshire coast. There are also populations in south Cumbria and the Scottish Highlands.

Habitats are open broad-leaved woodlands, scrubby heathland and well-vegetated sand dunes.

There are two generations per year, late May to mid-July, and August. It over-winters as a pupa.

Larvae feed on sallows, willows, Blackthorn, Sea-buckthorn and and Alder.

It flies from dusk and comes to light.

Earliest UK sighting: 26th July

Sightings