Maps updated: April 2008

Thyatira batis (Linnaeus, 1758)

Description: Wingspan 39-44mm. Adults are distinctive, they have olive brown forewings with large colourful blotches. The blotches are white tinged with pink with brown centres. The pink colour varies in intensity and some individuals are more richly marked than others.

Key Identification Features:

• Easily recognised by the pink, white and brown blotches on the brown forewings.

Sets:

Flight Period: Mid- May until early August.

Status: Widely distributed throughout the province, particularly in southern counties.

Ecology: An attractive moth found mainly in deciduous woodland, hedgerows, gardens and parkland, especially where bramble flourishes. Adults are rather secretive and seldom found during the day. They are attracted to light in moderate numbers. The larvae feed on bramble after dark, remaining concealed at the base of the foodplant during the day. It overwinters as a pupa.

Caterpillar: