Pennithera firmata (Hubner, 1822)

Description: Wingspan 32-40mm. This species shows considerable variation throughout its range. The forewings are generally reddish grey with a darker central band. This band is not always well-defined, but is always indented on the inner edge. The basal area is usually the same colour as the band.

Similar Species: There is no trace of white on the forewings unlike the closely related Grey Pine Carpet Thera obeliscata, which is generally some shade of grey.

Key Identification Features:

• Indent on inner edge of central band
• Whitish brown hindwings
• Flight period

Sets:

Flight Period: From early September to the beginning of November.

Status: Widely distributed but local. Known from Castlewellan Forest Park, Murlough NNR and Seaforde in southeast Down. In north Armagh it is reliably recorded from the Argory and Peatlands Park. The only recent record for Fermanagh is from Monmurray.

Ecology: A species associated principally with pine woodland. Adults show some attraction to light but are never seen frequently or abundantly. The larvae feed on Scot's Pine Pinus sylvestris. It overwinters as a larva.

Bradley & Fletcher number: 1767 Agassiz number: 70.077

Additional information:

UK Moths account

Caterpillar: