The Large Emerald is among our largest Geometers. There are more green Geometers looking a bit like it, but it is by far the largest. It does look a lot like a butterfly, as indicated by the scientific name. Not only because of the beautiful colour, but also because of the size. The Large Emerald is about as big as the Large White or the Admiral. Even the way the animal sits reminds one of a butterfly, for the wings are not pressed against the surface it is sitting on, but kept slightly upwards, like many butterflies do when visiting a flower. The animal is pale green with two lines of white v-shaped markings, even though in some cases one of the lines can be hardly visible or might even be missing. The body is covered in green hairs and so is the first part of the legs. One main difference exists between butterflies and our Large Emerald. The latter mostly flies by night and that is a pity. Sometimes it does fly by day, but always at great altitudes. Contrary to many other green Geometers, the Large Emerald hardly ever looses its green colour. It is rare to find an old one where the green faded into some pale kind of yellow.
The eggs hatch in August and September mainly. The small, brown larvae will feed for some time, then will seek a place to hibernate. They spin a small bed on the surface of a twig or the stem of the tree, near a bud and sleep on their own mattress. By the end of April the caterpillars awake and start eating. They also start turning green. The adult caterpillars are green with bumps on the back, brown warts on the side, the head is green as well, but there is a brownish glow over it. They will reach a length of some 30 mm and differ immensely from the young larvae. To pupate the caterpillar drops down to the earth or looks for mosses on branches of the tree. It then spins a thin cocoon between some leaves or debris. Inside it will pupate, which takes about 4 weeks. The caterpillars live on Birch mainly, but have been found on beech, alder and hazle as well.
There is only one generation a year, flying about for a relatively short period of time, for it is usually seen in July only. Some specimens do fly a little earlier or later though. The Large Emerald prefers birchy woodlands on light soils. It is a common species in many parts of Britain, if conditions are right. In Scotland widespread but local. It flies from midnight to dawn mainly and is eager te explore artificial light sources.
The Light Emerald belongs to the green Geometers. It is one of the lightest and the green soon fades into white. Identification is made easy by the tip of the wing, which is shaped like a little hook and usually has a small dark spot inside. The Light Emerald also has a broad, almost straight green and white line. The smaller line above is often invisible in white animals. The only moth looking like this one is the Small Emerald, which normally is smaller and darker in colour. It also has the usual rounded wing tips and a line which is white only and rather wavy. The Light Emerald is a rather big Geometer, reaching a wingspan of 42 to 55 mm.
Even though the first eggs are laid in May, it usually takes them to August to hatch. The larvae grow quite fast, but go into hibernation before completing their development. They often overwinter sitting completely visible on top of a twig. A smaller number of larvae hatch immediately after the eggs have been laid and pupate in June to produce a second generation of moths, on the wing in August. The larva is rather unmarked and greyish brown or greenish brown. It is a little hairy near the legs. The caterpillar of the Light Emerald may be some 35 to 40 mm long. It lives on numerous deciduous trees, including oak, hawthorn and birch. The pupa is spun into a cocoon and may be found among the leaflitter. It takes the Light Emerald about one month to pupate.
The species is double-brooded. The first generation flies in May and the beginning of June, the second in August. In small numbers the Light Emerald is seen between the two generations and in September and October. Readily comes to light. A common species all over the British Isles, except if there are no trees. Usually found in forests, parks and large gardens, even in urban surroundings. In Europe a common species all over.
In this case the name seems very unappropiated, for in most of the pictures the moth is green, while called Barred Red. That's because this species comes in two tastes: red and green and also produces many intermediate forms. In Britain the red form is predominant, while on the continent green animals are about as common as red ones. In our garden however we usually see green ones. The green forms however usually have a reddish tone to them, especially around and between the two lines. Generally in whatever colour the animal appears, it has no real doppelgangers. Contrary to many other green geometers, the green doesn't fade into white, yellow or brown. The size is that of a typical Geometer, because it has a wingspan of 32 to 44 mm.
The eggs hatch in September, but the larvae grow very slowly. Being quite small they enter hibernation, usually staying on the foodplant. In spring they compltete their development. They pupate in May on the ground between fallen needles. Pupation takes 4 to 6 weeks. The caterpillar itself is greyish or greyish brown with some brownish smears and a lightbrown head. On the back is a series of small warts. The larvae will reach a length of some 30 to 34 mm. They live on conifers exclusively, mainly Scots Pine and Norway Spruce, but others as well, including Douglas' Firs and Larch.
The Barred Red has two generations on the continent, but in Britain and Northern Europe usually there's only one, on the wing from mid-June to early August. Flies by night only, but can easily be disturbed at it's resting place during the day. Comes to light, sometimes even in great numbers. The Barred Red is a common species wherever there are conifers: woodland, parks and gardens, even in urban areas.
The Brimstone Moth is yellow, just like the Brimstone, and is among the most beautiful of all Geometers. It keeps its wings slightly upwards and by doing so looks like a butterfly even more. Being yellow like that with a few chestnut brown patches there is no other species like it, so identifying it is extremely easy. The wingspan is variable: 28 to 44 mm. Females are bigger than males and animals of the first generation are bigger than those of later generations.
The caterpillar of the Brimstone Moth is greyish or reddish brown, seldom greenish. There is a big bump on the 6th segment. You'll immediately recognise it being a Geometer Worm, but it has 3 pairs of hind legs. This is unique among Geometer Worms, for all the others have two pairs only. The head is light brown with some dark brown markings. The larva will reach a length of some 33 mm. The caterpillars pupate in an extremely dense and strong cocoon on the ground. The cocoon may also be attached by a strong wire just above the ground, or is made in a crack in the bark of a tree or fence or even wall. Usually the Brimstone Moth overwinters like this, but half grown larvae may also overwinter as such. The caterpillar lives on a number of trees and shrubs, but apple, maythorn and hawthorn seem to be most popular.
The Brimstone Moth is on the wing for a long period. The first appear in April and the last are seen in October. It flies in two or even three generations a year in most of Britain. According to some experts it probably flies in three generations over a two year period. In Northern Scotland it is single brooded, on the wing in June and July only. Starts flying in early dusk. Is easily attracted to light and is often seen around lit windows or outside lights. Usually a good model for photographers as it is not easily disturbed during daylight and in some cases might even be handled gently. A very common species in gardens, parks and hedgerows, but also on heaths. Common throughout all of Britain, except for Shetland. Also a very common species in continental Europe.
A big, conspicuous, yellowish moth. The swallow-tail like points of the wings are quite remarkable and have given this moth its name. Easily identified, for there are no similar species. Freshly emerged animals have a lemon colour, but this soon fades into a yellowish white. It is a big species, reaching a wing span of some 50 to 62 mm. Females are bigger than males.
The eggs are deposited in groups on the underside of leaves. They hatch in August. The caterpillars will be long (up to 50 mm), thin and are tapered towards the head. The colour varies from darkbrown to light brown. Some larvae are brownish green. The markings are variable as well and are vague. The caterpillars bear a striking resemblance to a twig. In October the larvae try to find a spot to overwinter. Usually they hide in a crack in the stem of their hostplant. In spring they reappear to complete their development. The caterpillar of the Swallow-tailed Moth feeds during the night. During day time it rests in the well known Geometer way: posing as twig. In spite of its length it is very difficult to spot indeed. By June the larvae abandon the leaves and make a cocoon on the underside of a branch of the foodplant. Even these cocoons are hard to spot, for small pieces of leaves are put into the cocoon. The caterpillars can be found on hawthorn, blackthorn, privet, ivy and other trees and shrubs.
The Swallow-tailed Moth flies in just one generation and is on the wing in June and July mainly. Only flies by night. Is attracted to light, but in varying numbers. Hard to see during the day. Common in England, Wales and Ireland, but a rather local species in Southern Scotland. Common in continental Europe as well, including most northern regions.
The Blood-vein in its typical colouring is not very difficult to identify. Depending on the light the basic colour is a silvery white to a creamy white. There is a straight, dark red line running from the hook at the front wing to the edge of the hind wing. It seemingly runs through from front wint to hind wing. A smaller grey line runs below it, almost parallel, but more curved. Of all similar species it is the only one where the dark line starts in the tip of the wing. In fresh specimens the lower edges of the wings are also strikingly coloured: reddish or pinkish. There is a second dark line, often less red running over the wing, starting somewhere half way the body. Between the two lines each wing shows one dark dot. In some specimens, especially older ones, the pink at the edges of the wings is gone and the colour of the dark line is just a dull brown. The upper line has faded or become invisible and so have the dots. In these cases the grey paralel line is often faded as well, but still quite visible. These animals are stil easily identified by the straight line. The wingspan of this species is some 30 to 35 mm.
As the Blood-vein is double-brooded, the eggs are deposited in spring (May and June) and in late summer August and September. They hatch in about 10 days. The larvae may reach a length of some 23 mm. Yhey are reddish brown, brownish or greyish with a few white lines on the sides and a dark pattern on the back. Looking up front they are similar to a cobra, because the body is swollen just behind the brown head. Pupation takes place near the ground in plant debris. They may be found on quite a few host plants, especially knotgrass, dock and orache.
The two generations may overlap and thus the Blood-vein can be seen from the end of May to September. Usually there is a peak in June and July. Common in England and Wales, but rarer northwards. Very rare in Eastern Scotland and a local species in Ireland. The scientific name of this animal may be confusing, for it is still frequently referred to as Timandra griseata (even in Skinner's book). Untill a few years ago Timandra griseata used to be its scientific name. But then it was discovered there are actually two separate species which can not be told apart by just looking at them. One species lives in Northern and Eastern Europe and remained named Timandra griseata. The other species lives in Western and Southern Europe and was renamed to Timandra comae. Luckily there is only one species in both Britain and the Benelux: Timandra comae.
The Maiden's Blush Moth doesn't always show her blush. Usually it is better visible in the summer generation. The spring generation normally is paler and less clearly marked. The ground colour of the wings is a beige white to ocher. There is one dark line, usually red or brown, running over both wings. Above and below this dark line run lines of grey dots. Near the lower edge of the front wing are the red or reddish blushes. Each specimen has these in a different size and intensity of colour. In some cases both the line and the blushes are grey. One of the dotted lines may also have disappeared, or they are both absent. Legs and antennae are white to beige. The wingspan varies from 25 to 32 mm.
Cyclophora punctaria's larvae are extremely variable and may be greyish, greenish or brown. Usually the spots on the sides give it away: near the brown lines waving over the body are red with yellow spots. The caterpillar will reach a length of some 23 mm. In autumn the larva attaches itself to a leaf: it spins a thread, raps it around his body at just one spot and attaches this gurdle to the leaf. It falls down together with the leaf and stays attached until next spring, when it crawls back into the tree. Pupation takes place by attaching the pupa to a leaf the same way. Sometimes birch is mentioned as a host plant, but it is pretty certain that the caterpillars live exclusively on oak.
The Maiden's Blush Moth flies in two generations and is about for quite some time, usually from late April to the beginning of September, clearly peaking in May and August. Flies about from dusk onwards. It is sometimes attracted by light, but never in great numbers. During the day seen resting on leaves of shrubs or trees. This species is always a local one, but when it is present it may appear in great numbers. Prefers light forests on sandy soils. Widely spread throughout most of England and Wales. Less frequent in Northern England and Scotland. Also a resident of Ireland, but only found locally, especially in the west. In other parts of Europe a widely spread species, sometimes very common, on sandy soils.
If well marked the Birch Mocha is unmistakable. Less marked animals may often be identified by their light basic colour: white or greyish. But many animals, especially those of the 2nd generation are much darker and may look like the Dingy Mocha. The latter is a very rare Red Book species though. Experts tell the two species apart by examining the shape of the wings. The Birch Mocha reaches a wingspan of 25 to 29mm.
Most eggs are being laid in May, June and early July. The eggs hatch quickly and we see caterpillars crawling about from June to October. These pupate and it is the pupa that overwinters. Pupae are attached to leaves or small twigs. In Southern Britain the species has two generations. The caterpillars of the Birch Mocha come in two colours: they are either green or grey. In both cases the head is brown. The caterpillars grow to a length of 20 to 23mm. Like the animal's name suggests the only known foodplant is the birch.
In Northern Britain, especially in Scotland, there is one generation only, on the wing in July and August. In Southern Britain the Birch Mocha is double-brooded, usually in two distinct generation. The first is on the wing in May and June, while the second appears in August mainly. The species is quite active and occassionally flies by day visiting flowers, preferring thistles. May also easily be disturbed by day. At night it does visit flowers, including those in gardens and is attracted to sugar. Also comes to light readily. Very common in Southern and Eastern England. A local species elsewhere in England and in Wales. Common in Scotland, but rather uncommon in Ireland. Prefers sandy soils. Common in much of Europe, but a rather local species in some parts.
There is only one species similar to the Peacock Moth: the Sharp-angled Peacock Moth. Both are quite light, have a brown spot on the edge of the wing and a bigger and darker spot a little further on and the hindwings are angled. The Peacock Moth usually is much whiter than the Sharp-angled Peacock. The Peacock also has a thin greyish line running just above the brown and blackish dots. In the Sharp-angled Peacock these spots are within a broad, greyish band. The shape of the angled hind wings differs also and the Sharp-angled Peacock has the concave part of the forewing, just below the tip of the wing, entirely dark brown, including the fringes. The Peacock just has a (much lighter) brown line there, which does not effect the fringes. Once you have seen them both together, you usually can tell them apart by their shape. However very worn species can sometimes be puzzling. The wingspan of the Peacock Moth is 28 to 32 mm.
The caterpillar is green having a brown back. On the sides we usually see a few yellow spots with two smaller black dots in them. The head may be green, but is brown usually. It is not very variable and may reach a length of some 24 mm. The caterpillars are fast growing, for the eggs are deposited in June and the first new adults already appear in July. The larvae of the summergeneration can be seen in September mainly, and pupate underground in October. The pupa then overwinters. The larvae are found on birch and willow.
The Peacock Moth is single-brooded in Scotland, Wales and Northern England, double-brooded in Southern England. It is regularly seen during day time resting on the leaves of shrubs and easily disturbed, but on the wing during night time only. Comes sparingly to light. A local species in Britain, even though it may appear in great numbers. It is more common on the continent.
Scientifically this species is also known as Semiothisa notata.
There is only one species similar to the Sharp-angled Peacock Moth: the Peacock Moth. Both are quite light, have a brown spot on the edge of the wing and a bigger and darker spot a little further on and the hindwings are angled. The Peacock Moth usually is much whiter than the Sharp-angled Peacock. The Peacock also has a thin greyish line running just above the brown and blackish dots. In the Sharp-angled Peacock these spots are within a broad, greyish band. The shape of the angled hind wings differs also and the Sharp-angled Peacock has the concave part of the forewing, just below the tip of the wing, entirely dark brown, including the fringes. The Peacock just has a (much lighter) brown line there, which does not effect the fringes. Once you have seen them both together, you usually can tell them apart by their shape. However very worn species can sometimes be puzzling. The wingspan of the Peacock Moth is 27 to 32 mm.
The caterpillar is extrmely variable: green, grey or brown. The markings differ both in colour and shape according to the ground colour. It may grow up to 24 mm. The larvae of the first generation may grow extremely quickly. Within 5 weeks the first moths may appear. The caterpillars of the 2nd generation also grow quickly in September. In October they disappear underground where they pupate and overwinter as pupa. The foodplants are Sallow, Blackthorn and Alder and a few other species.
The Sharp-angled Peacock Moth is double brooded. It is on the wing in May, June and August mainly. It flies from dusk onwards. During the day it is more difficult to find than the Peacock and is not easily disturbed. The Sharp-angled Peacock is however more easily attracted to light. A widespread but very local species in Southern England and Southern Wales. Very rare in Northern England, Northern Wales and Ireland, not present in Scotland. Also a rather common but local species on the continent.
This species is scientifically also known as Semiothisa alternata and Semiothisa alternaria.
The Tawny-barred Angle is not difficult to identify. It has an orange coloured broad band running over the forewing. It is still slightly visible in the specimen in the photographs on this page. We must admit though this is a very worn animal. There are no sharp angles on the lower wing, even though the Peacock and the Sharp-angled Peacock belong to the same genus. Reaching a wingspan of some 28 to 34 mm the Tawny-barred Angle is about the same size.
The caterpillar is variable, but often is green, with some white lines along the sides and dark green lines just besides the back. However it may be yellowish or brownish as well. It may reach a length of some 22 mm. The larvae live on a great variety of conifers from May to October. The Tawny-barred Angle pupates between the needles on the ground and overwinters as a pupa.
In Britain a single brooded species mainly, on the wing in June and July. In Southern England it is double brooded, flying late May to middle June and again in August and early September. Like the ones in our pictures the Tawny-barred Angle regularly flies by day, but in very small numbers only. At night it is attracted to light very easily, sometimes appearing abundantly. Can be disturbed by day at its resting place: conifers or bushes below, such as hazel. Common throughout Britain, where ever you find conifers.
The previous scientific name is still used regularly: Semiothisa liturata.
The Common Wave is one of a group of whitish geometers showing some darker bands, waves, smears of dots. In his case there are three grey lines over the wings. The upper two may be hardly visible at times, but the last one is always there, even in very worn out animals. It is very similar to the Common White Wave. Yet you can tell them apart by examining the lines, especially the last one. In the Common Wave the line runs slightly rounded and there is an obvious bend in the middle. In the Common White Wave the line runs straight from side to side with no visible bends. Another similar species is the Cream Wave, but it usually has more than 3 visible lines, which are more edged and not wavy. It also has black dots in the middle of the hind wings. The Common Wave isn't very variable in size, for the wingspan is some 32 to 35 mm.
The caterpillars are usually seen from June to autumn. They are lightgreen (even though sometimes brown) and rather narrow. On the back is a dark green dorsal line, accompanied on both sides by a whitish green line. Often there are dark to black dots at the end of each segment. The head is dark green at first, then turns lighter. They'll reach a length of some 27 to 30 mm. In autumn the larvae of the Common Wave go the the ground in which they pupate shoulkd the soil be light and dry. Otherwise they pupate between plant debris. The pupa overwinters. Even though the caterpillars are found on a number of trees, they prefer willow, sallow and aspen.
The Common Wave produces two generations in Southern England and one in Scotland, but is on the wing for a long time in both cases: from mid-May to the end of Augustus. Easy to spot flying about, for it becomes active in early dusk. Is attracted to light, but in very small numbers only. A common, sometimes even abundant species all over the British Isles. And just as common on the continent.
The Common White Wave is one of a group of whitish geometers showing some darker bands, waves, smears of dots. In his case there are three grey lines over the wings. The upper two may be hardly visible at times, but the last one is always there, even in very worn out animals. It is very similar to the Common Wave. Yet you can tell them apart by examining the lines, especially the last one. In the Common Wave the line runs slightly rounded and there is an obvious bend in the middle. In the Common White Wave the line runs straight from side to side with no visible bends. Another similar species is the Cream Wave, but it usually has more than 3 visible lines, which are more edged and not wavy. It also has black dots in the middle of the hind wings. The Common White Wave isn't very variable in size, for the wingspan is some 32 to 35 mm.
The first eggs will hatch in June. Many of the caterpillars are bright green with some greenish smears, dots and speckles and a few purple dots on the back. Others however are brown with brownish smears. They often also show purple or blackish dots on the back. The larvae are quite slim and reach a length of some 30 mm. Many pupate in July to deliver the second generation of moths, others wait till the following year, accompanied by the caterpillars of the second generation. They drop on the ground in autumn, spin a cocoon between leaflitter and pupate inside. The pupa then overwinters. The larvae of the Common White Wave feed an most trees and shrubs.
In Southern Britain the Common White Wave is double brooded and on the wing from the end of May to the end of August. There is however a gap between the first and second generation in the beginning of July. In Northern Britain there is only one generation, on the wing from May to the end of July. It can be seen flying about from early dusk and is easily disturbed during the day. This is a very common species all over Europe, including most of Britain.
The Clouded Silver is unmistakable: a white moth showing some black smears, especially near the tip of the forewings. The amount of smears and the intensity is highly variable however. But in spite of that easily identified. Usually the females are marked more weakly than the males are. The females have wire-like antennae, while those of the male are feathered. Having a wingspan of 27 to 33 mm this is quite a typical Geometer Moth.
Females of the Clouded Silver deposit their eggs in May and June. The eggs are laid in crevices in tree barks or on or near buds. After two or three weeks the eggs hatch. The caterpillars are clearly bicoloured. The top side is blueish green, the downside is whitish green. There are red dots on the back. These sometimes merge into a red dorsal line. On both sides of these dots or this line are smaller white dots. The head is green with two brown spots. In autumn the caterpillars go to the ground to pupate in a thin cocoon on the ground or in it. The Clouded Silver overwinters as a pupa. The caterpillars grow to a length of some 30 mm. They can be found on a great number of trees and shrubs, especially Bird-Cherry, Plumb and Luge Thorn.
The Clouded Silver is on the wing from mid-May to Mid-July. Sporadically seen several weeks earlier or later. Starts flying in dusk and is then often seen in gardens. During daytime regularly found resting on tree trunks or walls. Comes to light easily. A common species in woodlands, parks and big gardens all over England and Wales, but getting scarcer northwards. Local in Southern Scotland, not in Northern Scotland. Visitor to parks and gardens, including those in cities. Elsewhere in Europe equally common, but not in Northern parts of Scandinavia.
The Clouded Border is a white moth having black or brownish bordered wings. The markings are highly variable and may even be different on either wing in one animal. Still it is easy to identify this species, for there are no similar ones. It is not a very big Geometer, for the wingspan is some 24 to 28 mm only.
The caterpillars are active from June onwards. They are green with four darker green dorsal lines. Some segments may have a yellow ring on either end. The head is greenish with two conspicuous brown lines. The caterpillars remain relatively small, reaching a length of no more than 21 mm. They feed at night and sit motionless on the underside of a leaf during the day. In autumn they drop to the ground, pupate underground and overwinter as such. The moth may appear the summer after, but sometimes two or even three winters are spent in the pupal stage. The larvae are found on poplars, willows and hazel exclusively.
It is likely the Clouded Border has two or even more generations a year, except for Scotland. Therefor it is on the wing for a long time, usually from the end of April to the middle of August. Occasionally it flies during the day, but usually these are animals that were disturbed during their day time break. Normally it is on the wing during the night. It is easily attracted to light, but most of the times it flies off again in dawn. A common, even very common species all over Europe, including most of Britain. Local, but not rare, in Northern Europe, including Scotland and the Hebrides.
Of all the waves in Britain, there are about 18 species, this is the largest. Yet the wingspan is only a meagre 30 to 35 mm. Actually there are two forms. The typical form (f. aversata) is greyish white to light brown with a broad grey bar across all wings. This form is easy to identify. The other form, called f. remutata, lacks the grey band. Only the lines that usually make the border between the band and the remainder of the wing, are there. This form is very difficult to identify, for it is often similar to the Plain Wave. If you can get a closer look though, you are able to tell the two apart, for the last line before the edge at about 4/5th of the wing is almost straight in the Plain Wave and indented in the Riband Wave. And the Plain Wave is smaller, of course. Seeing them together helps a lot, but that's a once in a lifetime chance.
The caterpillar is brown and extremely wrinkled. On top there are dark brown to black markings shaped like a V. Sometimes these merge into crosses. At the side is a long, wavy yellow line running from head to tail. The head is grey showing black markings. The young caterpillar overwinters. Once fullgrown it spins a thin cocoon in dead leaves on the ground and pupates. The larva may grow up to 25 mm. It lives on quite a few low growing plants, including bedstraw, chickweed, primrose and dandelions and is regularly discovered in gardens. The caterpillar doesn't move about a lot. When it feels threatened it pretends to be dead.
The Riband Wave has only one generation a year, but it flies about from June to mid August. The number of specimens is peaking in July, though. It only flies after dusk, but is easily attracted to lights, occasionally in great numbers. It is a very common species all over Britain and Ireland, including the Inner Hebrides and often abundant. On the continent a very common, often abundant species as well.
The Small Dusty Wave is small indeed and also very indistinctly marked. So it is a good thing we have pictures on this page. The ground colour is light grey to light brown. It is dusty all over and there is a clear dot in what seems to be the middle of the wing. Luckily there is no other wave similar to this one, so identification shouldn't be too difficult. You might mix it up with one of the pugs though. But there is no pug as dusty as this, so no big problem there either. Sometimes a very dark form is seen. This black form, which is quite rare, is called f. bischoffaria. The wingspan is just around 2 cm.
This species is double-brooded, except for the north. The two generations usually overlap one another. The larva of the summergeneration overwinters. It needs quite some time to be fullgrown. The larvae of the springgeneration on the other hand often take less than 5 weeks to complete their development. The caterpillar will reach a length of about 18 mm. It is brown with black markings on the first segments behind the head. It pupates in a little hole in the ground, where it makes a cocoon. The larvae are found on ivy and dandelions mainly.
Where two generations appear the animal is on the wing from May to October. The greatest number of specimens flies in August, though. In Scotland and further northwards there is only one generation on the wing in July or August. In southern parts of Europe there are even more generations resulting in the species being seen all year round. The adults are often noticed on walls and fences during day time. Does not fly till well after dark and is rarely attracted to artificial lights. Lives in gardens, hedgerows and rough territories, often near human habitation. Common all over Britain, including Scotland. Common and sometimes abundant all over Europe, Northern Asia and Siberia.
The Single-dotted Wave is one of the easiest waves to identify, even in the field. The ground colour is whitish and the outer area towards the trailing corner of the forewing is darkened. In well marked specimens this is a clear blackish band. But even in slightly marked animals the darkening is clearly visible. The wingspan is some 17 to 22 mm.
The eggs hatch in august and out comes a caterpillar that'll grow to some 20 mm. It is pale brown. On top a double black line, merging into a single broad line towards the tail. On the sides a white line. The head is grey. The larvae overwinter in plant debris. The caterpillars pupate in a cocoon in the soil in June, often producing the adult moths within 4 weeks. Regularly found on cow-parsley, burnet-saxifraga and hedge bedstraw and on some other plants.
There is just one generation per year, flying about in July, although smaller numbers of specimens are seen in June and August. The moths fly as soon as dusk sets in and are sometimes early enough to be visible visiting flowers, preferring thistles apparently. This is a common species in woodlands, hedgerows and gardens. It is attracted to light, but in small numbers only. Common in England, Wales and Ireland, rare in Southern Scotland and absent in the north. On the continent common all over, except for Northern Scandinavia. However this species is never seen abundantly anywhere.
The Dwarf Cream Wave is a very small Geometer Moth, showing a creamy white basic colour. Contrary to many other waves it slightly glistens. On all wings it shows a clear, small black dot (the so-called discal spot). Near the edge of the wing run three parallel, very wavy lines, usually brownish, but sometimes greyish in colour. There is an interrupted blackish brown thin line just in front of the fringes. The leading edge of the front wings is brownish, usually much more so than in the animal depicted here. The wingspan is 18 to 23 mm only.
The caterpillar of the Dwarf Cream Wave is brownish. It is visibly tapered towards the head. Near the tail there often is one lighter segment, usually yellowish brown. On the back it shows vague markings of dark brown or black intertwined V's or W's. The first larvae appear in August. The larvae overwinter. Not much is known about the host plants, but probably the caterpillar is polyphagous, to be found on among others brambles and dandelions.
The Dwarf Cream Wave flies in one generation a year. It is on the wing in June and July. During daytime it is resting in shrubs and trees, but is easily disturbed. Flies from early dusk to after midnight, but is attracted to light only sparingly. A common, but local species. It prefers light soils and open spaces covered with bushes and trees. Very common in coastal areas up to Wales. Otherwise common in Southern parts of Engeland, getting scarcer northwards. The Mersey seems to be the northern border of its range in Britain. On the continent a local species as well and especially common in many coastal areas.
t is easy to identify the Scorched Carpet, because there is no similar species. The ground colour of the wings is creamy white. It has very dark shoulders (the basic part of the wings closest to the body), followed by a white patch with small brownish markings. Next is a broad band made up of blacks and dark browns, often with some ochreous accents. The tip of the wing is white with ochreous patches. The first part of the body is very dark as well, followed by a white band. The remainder of the body is quite dark with small grey rings. De legs are dark brown to black with small grey rings. The wingspan is some 25 to 30 mm.
In the south of Britain two generations a year occur. In May and June the eggs of the first generation of caterpillars is being laid. They are hardly ever seen during the day. During the night they regularly hang down from a silk thread, often low in the foodplants. In daylight the caterpillar is a striking animal indeed: bluegreen with yellow rings at the end of each of the segments. Head and legs are dark red. In what is about the middle of the body there is a red spot, with some smaller black and white blotches. This first generation pupates in July and August producing the second generation. The caterpillars of the cecond generation pupate just before winter and hibernate as such. The larva is found on one single foodplant: spindle.
Because of the two generations the Scorched Carpet is seen flying around from late April to the end of August, but the numbers sharply drop by the beginning of July, picking up again in the beginning of August. In northern areas such as Northern England and Scotland there is only one generation flying about in June and July. This species flies in early dusk and is then regularly seen. During the day easily disturbed resting in trees and bushes. Hardly ever comes to light. Quite common in most of Britain, expending its area to the north in recent years. Quite a common species in most other parts of Europe as well.
The Garden Carpet deserves its name, for it is a common species in gardens indeed. The groundcolour is some kind of creamy white, showing three clear dark patches. The first is a very dark band running all over the wing at the basic part. We may also say it has very dark shoulders. The middle of the wing also shows the beginning of a band, usually more brownish than the one at the shoulder. This band is very wide at the edge of the forewing, but narrows and stops or fades out half way. In similar species, such as the Galium Carpet and the Common Carpet this second band runs over the entire wing. That's a good way of telling the Garden Carpet apart. Almost at the tip of the wing a third band appears to be starting. Usually it consists of two black spots, but the second spot might be missing. The underwings are also marked. Melanistic forms do turn up regularly, but appear to be a local speciality in some regions only. The resting pose is typical of the geometer family. The Garden Carpet is not very large, for it only reaches a wingspan of 27 to 31 mm.
This usually is a double-brooded species, but often has one generation in the far north and sometimes three in the south of England. It may overwinter being a pupa, but is also seen overwintering as a larva. The caterpillar is extremely variable in colouring: it might be whitish, brownish, greenish or even pinkish. And combinations of these colours also appear every now and then. There are small white dots on the back, which are very striking in darker specimens. The head is yellowish brown. The caterpillars are not seen regularly as they only feed during the night. They will reach a length of some 25 mm. The Garden Carpet pupates in a cocoon in a small hole in the soil. The caterpillars eat crucifers mainly, such as wall-rocket and garlic mustard, but will feed on cabbage and other garden plants as well. In contrast to the easy to find caterpillars of the various whites, the caterpillars of the Garden Carpet are very hard to find on cabbage, doing their damage at night only.
The Garden Carpet flies about for a long time each year, because it appears in April and the last are often seen in October. However it never appears in great numbers. It has nothing against human presence and often rests during the day on walls, fences etcetera. Comes freely to lights. A common species, especially in suburban areas, found all through the British Isles. On the continent een common species too.
The Beautiful Carpet is a beautiful animal indeed. The ground colour is bright white. The forewings start off with an impressive shoulder: black, dark brown and grey bands and spots are painted generously. To follow is a deep chocolate brown band. The central part of the wing is white, except for a small greyish dot. The tops of the wings are almost white, but just before them is a dark brown big blob. This blob is repeated at the other edge of the wing, but this one is much smaller. Luckily there are no similar species around. The remarkable markings on the wing see to it that when in rest the moth does look like a bird's dropping. A phenomenon also found in many other moths, especially Tortrixes. Reaching a wingspan of some 34 to 38 mm this is quite a striking species.
The larva is green and may reach a length of some 25 mm. On the side is a redbrownish line running from the thorax, not the head, to the tail. On top some small red angular spots showing a whitish centre. The head is green with small brown speckles. The Beautiful Carpet has just one generation a year. The caterpillars are seen from from July to September. They'll eat at night and rest at day. Often they sit near or on the central vein of a leaf and are very hard to spot. In September they'll dig a small hole in the soil in which a cocoon is spun. In the cocoon pupation starts. The pupa overwinters and remains inactive for quite a long time, for the first moths are usually not seen before June next year. The caterpillars are found on brambles, raspberry and hazle.
The moths are on the wing from June to August. On the continent a very rare second generation may appear, flying in August en September. It is often difficult to photograph the Beautiful Carpet. It can be easily disturbed during day time when it is resting on the leaves of shrubs and trees. Often it is found on the host plant of the larvae. It will only fly away a short distance and then settle again at the underside of a leaf, preferring a dark spot, which is unfavourable for a photographer. And besides, brambles are not the most accessible of shrubs. Lights don't help much in this case as the moths are hardly ever attracted to it. The Beautiful Carpet is a rather uncommon species in England, Wales and Ireland, never appearing in great numbers. Quite a rare and very local species in southern and western Scotland. In other parts of Europe also a local and never abundant species.
The Flame Carpet is a very variable species, even though the basic lay out remains the same in all specimens. It is a greyish or browngreyish moth. The upper wings show small often brown red shoulders (= the beginning of the front wings). This is followed by a greyish white band. Next is a dark brown band, followed by a dark red one. This red one often has two small dark brown bands running over it. The remainder of the front wing is greyish white. On the border of the red and white is a small dark band often with a striking black dot. The red often is very weak and sometimes hardly visible. The black dots may be missing and one or more bands may be wissing as well, or don't run all over the wing. Despite all these variations this species is easily identified most of the times. The animal is quite small, for the wingspan is some 25 to 28 mm only.
The Flame Carpet is double-brooded in most of Britain. After having been overwintering as a pupa, the first generation of moths appears in May. The larvae of this generation we'll see in June and July. The larvae are clearly two-coloured: the upper half of the body is greyish brown, dark brown or reddish brown, the lower part of the body is greyish white. The two colours make a sharp contrast at the side of the caterpillar. On top the larva has a rather remarkable marking repeated a few times: an open and more or less complete white caret, followed by a black dot. The caterpillars pupate in July, giving way to the second generation in August. Not much is known about the host plants of the larvae in the wild. It is suspected though they'll eat crucifers, for in captivity they accept cabbage, rape and wallflower.
This species is flying about from May to September all over the British Isles. In bad summers the North of Scotland will see just one generation flying in June and July mainly. It is attracted to light but in small numbers only. Apparently has no favourable habitat: appears in moorlands, forests and gardens alike. Still not a very common species, even though at certain locations very common indeed. Inhabits all of the British Isles, including the Inner Hebrides, but is rare on the Channel Islands. On the continent een wide spread, but often local species too. In Northern Europe the Flame Carpet produces just one generation, but three or more in the south of Europe.
Up till 1925 we knew of only one Spruce Carpet (Thera variata). But then it was discovered that there are actually two seprate species. Thera britannica was born. The common English name has never been changed to make a distinction between the two, though. Both species are real look-a-likes and both are very variable indeed. In many ways they often are also identical to the Grey Pine Carpet. The latter however often has a brownish glow all over the wings. It is important to look at the entire wing and not just at the central band, for this is brownish in many Thera species at times. In our garden the Grey Pine Carpet often is brownish all over, while the Spruce Carpet usually is entirely greyish. Below we do not separate the two Spruce Carpet species. They need to be killed and dissected to be absolutely sure and that's something we don't do for our site. The basic colour of the Spruce Carpet usually is grey, but may be reddish brown as well. Apparently the reddish brown animals are the rule in northern and western Britain and, judging from our pictures, in eastern Holland. Rather typical of the Thera species is the band in the middle of the wing. It is made up of oval shaped markings. Usually the markings have black borders and a centre that's slightly darker than the other parts of the wing. However in very brown specimens the ovals may be absent or hardly visible. The wingspan is typically that of many Geometers: 30 to 36 mm.
The Spruce Carpet is clearly double-brooded. The caterpillars of the first generations are seen in June and July. Those of the second generation appear in autumn. The larvae are green with a bright thick yellow line on the sides. The head and legs are also green. The young caterpillar overwinters. By the end of May they pupate in a hole or just a ditch in the ground. They spin a cocoon there and inside the pupa develops. The caterpillars live on some spruce and fir species. The needles are eaten top down, however the last bit isn't touched. When they sit in their typical Geometer position the caterpillars are very hard to find between the needles. They will reach a length of some 28 mm.
Both species of Spruce Carpet fly in two distinct generations, with near to zero animals on the wing in between. The first generation flies in May and June, the second in September and October. In the north of Scotland however there's just one generation in June and July. You might be able to catch an adult by shaking a tree, but best is to let them come to light. They are easily attracted to light, sometimes even in great numbers. A modern energy saving bulb will do. These are very good for Geometers, but are not very good attracting Owlets. The Spruce Carpet is a widespread species, but common only in certain areas. In Scotland and Ireland a very local species only. In most other parts of Europe only common in spruce plantations, elsewhere a widespread, but local or even very local species.
The Grey Pine Carpet often is a very difficult species to identify. It comes in two basic colours: grey and reddish brown. The reddish brown ones are no problem. All moths looking like this with a reddish brown glow all over the upperwing are Grey Pine Carpets (yes, what's in a name!). This reddish brown variation is especially common in northern Britain. The grey animals look like the Spruce Carpet so much, that you'll need expert information to tell them apart. That's more than we can handle on our site. Another greyish carpet looks like this one: the Pine Carpet. The inner band on the wing of this species has a curve with a sharp angle. The other species mentioned only have rounded curves.
The Grey Pine Carpet is double-brooded. The two generations partially overlap. The larvae of the summer generation are seen in June and July. They are green. Low along the sides is a whitish line and the legs are pinkish. They may grow up to 30 mm and live on many species of pine and similar trees, such as Norway Spruce and Douglas fir. The larvae are extremely hard to find among the needles of these trees. The autumn generation hibernates as a small larva.
Of all Thera species this one is most common. It varies a lot in size and the wingspan may be anything from 28 to 36 mm. A common and sometimes abundant species where pines are, including coastal areas. Elsewhere absent. The Grey Pine Carpet is on the wing from half May to well into October, but with considerably lower numbers in July and the first part of August. Is attracted to lights, sometimes even in great numbers. Common all through Britain, including the Hebrides. Elsewhere in Europe very common in conifer plantations and pine woods too.
At first sight the Common Marbled Carpet often seems to look completely worn out, even though well marked animals do fly about, like the one in the third picture. Still this species is hard to identify at times, for there exist two very similar species: the Dark Marbled Carpet and the Arran Carpet. The difference between the Dark Marbled Carpet and the Common Marbled Carpet is best seen in the lines on the underside of the wing. The line in the middle of both upperwing and underwing are wavy in the Common species and hooked in the Dark Marble Carpet. The same happens on the upper side of the front wings: the lines are more wavy in the Common and more hooked in the dark, but the difference is often very hard to tell and both species are extremely variable. The white lines on the upperside of the wing of the Arran Carpet are often interrupted and sometimes blotched. However darkened animals of both species are often very hard to tell apart. The Common Marbled Carpet is common all over Britain, the Dark Marbled Carpet is fairly common and the Arran Carpet is scarce, living in parts of Scotland only, and is sometimes considered to be a mere form of the Common Marbled Carpet and not a separate species.
The eggs that have been laid by moths of the second generation hatch in August. The larvae start eating immediately, but they grow slowly. In September they'll stop eating and go into hibernation. In March or April they'll start eating again and will pupate between leaves spun together in May. Pupation takes a short while only and the first Moths of the new generation will appear in May. These mainly deposit their eggs in June. The resulting caterpillars grow incredibly fast and may even pupate within three weeks. The caterpillar is green, and has yellow bands between the segments. Usually purple or blackish short lines on the side, even though these may merge in one small line running all over the body. At the end of the body are two strikingly blackish dots. The head is dark. The larvae of the Common Marbled Carpet remain small all their lives, for their length usually is some 20 to 24 mm only. They may be found on trees like Birch and Willow, shrubs like Hawthorn and Heath and lower plants such as Blueberry and wild Strawberry. The Common Marbled Carpet flies in two clearly separated generations a year. The first generation flies in June mainly, even though some individuals may be seen as early as April. The second generation is on the wing in August and September, even though sometimes seen in October or even the beginning of November. It is easily disturbed during the day, but will fly by night only. It is easily attracted to light, but never in great numbers. This is a species of forests and woodlands, hedgerows, parks and gardens. Common all over the British Isles. In parts of Scotland, especially at higher altitudes only one generation is on the wing in July and August. Also a very common species on the continent, where it is double-brooded as well, except for mountain areas and much of Scandinavia, where it is single-brooded like in Scotland.
This beautiful moth is easily identified by its green ground colour. The broad band over the forewing however is very variable in colour and may be green, white, pinkish or brownish. The Green Carpet rapidly looses its green colouring when on the wing. The green becomes rather pinkish or brownish. The colour also depends on the angle you look at the wings and the amount of light present. Only very fresh animals have the typical deep bluegreen colour. There is one similar species: the Beech-green Carpet. That species however is darker, often significantly bigger and very rare, except for a few areas in Britain. The Green Carpet is a rather small species, for the wingspan usually is between 25 and 29 mm.
The caterpillar is brown with some white spots and smears. On top it has blackish V or Delta shaped markings. Usually seen from August to May and overwintering. In May it pupates in a loose cocoon in a small hole in the soil. The caterpillar is found on all kinds of bedstraw. It is reported to eat White Deadnettle and Marjoram as well. From the far north, especially Orkney it is reported to feed on Sheep's Sorrel. In the south of England a second generation is now normal, possibly due to the climate change. Elsewhere single-brooded.
In southern England seen from mad-May to mid-July and again in August and early September. Single-brooded northwards, and on the wing from June to August. The Green Carpet is a common species in suburban gardens, orchards, roadsides, open woodlands and grasslands. Seen on the wing from early dusk to after midnight. During the day easily disturbed from bushes. Comes to light at night but in very small numbers only. Widespread all over Britain, including the Hebrides. Elsewhere in Europe a common or even abundant species.
The basic colour of the wings of the Spinach is creamy white to ochre. Over the wings run a few rusty lines. This makes you wonder why it is called the Spinach. Even though it is not a very striking species when it comes to colours, its resting pose sets it apart from all other Geometers. The wings are hold horizontally and the edges of the hindwings are slightly lifted up, while the last part of the body is curled upwards. A resting pose not unheard of in the world of the Snout Moths, but unique in Geometers. The Spinach shares this characteristic with the very similar Barred Straw. And as both species are the same size (the wingspan is 33 to 38 mm), they are real look-a-likes. Still they can be told apart quite easily by looking at the fringes of the wings, which are chequered in the Spinach and not in the Barred Straw.
The eggs are laid in summer on twigs of the foodplant. They don't hatch before March or April next year, meaning it is the egg overwintering. The caterpillars grow very fast. They feed by night and may be found resting on the underside of a leaf during the day. By the end of May they are ready to pupate. They spin together a few leaves and make a cocoon inside. These leaves may be fresh leaves, meaning the cocoon hangs in the foodplant. Some larvae however prefer to pupate among the leaf debris on the ground. In June the first moths appear. The larvae are greenish. There may be some yellow accents near the end or beginning of a body segment. The head is green. Despite the name the larvae are found on Red Currants and Black Currants exclusively. This makes you wonder about the name of this species for a second time, doesn't it?
The Spinach is on the wing from June to mid-August. Starts flying at dusk and comes to light freely. This is a typical garden species, due to the foodplants of the caterpillars. Because less and less people tend to cultivate the host plants, this moth shows declining numbers. Not uncommon in England and Wales, a rather local species in Scotland and the Hebrides and very rare in Ireland, where it is only found around Dublin. This is a lowland species only, not to be found in mountainous areas. A fairly common species on the continent as well.
Red Twin-spot Carpet or Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet (Xanthorhoe ferrugata or Xanthorhoe spadicearia)
Red Twin-spot Carpet or Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet (Xanthorhoe ferrugata or Xanthorhoe spadicearia)
Red Twin-spot Carpet or Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet (Xanthorhoe ferrugata or Xanthorhoe spadicearia)
The names of these two species may seem to suggest they may be told apart easily. This suggestion however is wrong. In a very few situations you can tell them apart, but many other characteristics suggested by books over the years have all proved to be in error. The only secure way of telling apart the Red Twin-spot Carpet and the Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet is by dissection. Just like most visitors to this site we don't do that. So we have to settle for never knowing for sure. Both species together however are easily identified by the double dot. Reaching a wing span of some 24 to 27mm, both are the same size.
The caterpillars of these two moths are hard to tell apart too. Usually those of the Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet are darker and show more contrast. Both live on a great number of low plants, overwinter as pupa and are extremely hard to find in the wild. The larvae reach a length of some 20 to 25 mm.
To add to all confusion both species fly at the same time of the year. In Southern England they are double brooded and on the wing from mid-May to mid-June and again in late July and throughout August. In the rest of Britain there is one generation only, on the wing from late May to mid-July. Both fly by night only, but are easily disturbed during the day. Often seen resting during the day on walls, trees and fences. Both species prefer light, sandy soils and are regular visitors to gardens and parks. They are easily photographed, but refuse to be handled. The Red Twin-spot Carpet is common throughout the British Isles, including Orkney and the Inner Hebrides. The Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet though is common in England, Wales and Ireland, but much scarcer and usually a local species only in Scotland, including the Inner Hebrides.
Like some other Geometers the Shoulder Stripe is hard to describe: a brownish moth with brown, black, grey, yellow and white speckles, spots, bigger and smaller bands and wavy lines. Luckily there is no need to describe it in detail, for there is no other species like it. Besides this is not a very variable species. There is however a striking difference between males and females, for males are much darker and more contrasting than females. The animal in the pictures presented here is a female. The wingspan of both is some 32 to 35 mm.
The eggs are deposited in April and May. Either one by one or in pairs. This happens on a bud, but frequently on a twig near a bud. The caterpillars hatch after 10 days and find their own way to the leaves. Those larvae may be green or brown. On top is a broad line running from head to tail. This line is usually green or blackish brown. On the sides are white speckles and a line of black dots just below the middle, also running from head to tail. The head is reddish brown, sometimes very pale brown and has two dark spots on the 'cheeks'. They only feed during the night and reach a length of some 26 mm. In the beginning of july the caterpillars move to the soil and spin a cocoon. This cocoon is strengthened by adding earth and very small pebbles. In the cocoon the animal pupates. It overwinters as pupa. The larva feeds on dog-rose and other wild roses, even though sometimes a caterpillar is found on cultivated roses.
It flies about in just one generation, usually in March and April.The Shoulder Stripe is on the wing in early evening and starts flying around sunset. Frequent visitor of artificial lights. A common species in most of Britain. In Northern Scotland and the Hebrides a rather local species. In other parts of Europe a local species with scattered distribution.
