Anticlea derivata (Denis & Schiff., 1775)

Description: Wingspan 30-34mm. The forewings are generally pale greenish grey with a sub- basal and antemedian cross lines. There is also a cross line running obliquely from the costa of each wing to the inner margin of the forewing. The outer margins of the forewings are suffused with a purplish brown colour.

Key Identification Features:

• Wavy crosslines on forewings
• Oblique lines running from the costa; darkish patches at the apex of the forewings

Sets:

Flight Period: From mid-March to mid-May.

Status: Common and widespread in southern counties and recorded frequently from many of the bogs and fens around the southern part of the Lough Neagh basin. It has a scattered distribution elsewhere. There are recent records from Crom Estate and Garvary Wood, Fermanagh and Rehaghy Mountain, Tyrone.

Ecology: An attractive species similar in habits and distribution the Shoulder Stripe A. badiata but usually appears slightly later. Adults are attracted to light in moderate numbers at some of its well-known haunts. The larvae can be found in June and July on wild roses Rosa spp. It spends the winter period as a pupa.

Bradley & Fletcher number: 1747 Agassiz number: 70.067

Additional information:

UK Moths account

Caterpillar: