Eupithecia tenuiata (Hubner, 1813)

Description: Wingspan 14-16 mm. Forewings are well rounded and the colour ranges from pale whitish brown to pale greyish brown. The crosslines are dark in colour and quite distinct. There is also a black discal spot in the median area of the forewing. Hindwings similar in colour.

Key Identification Features:

• Black discal spot and well-rounded forewings.
• Dark crosslines

Sets:

Flight Period: Late July to the end of August. Skinner gives June and July as the normal flight period in Britain.

Status: There has only been one recent authentic record for this species from Hillsborough Forest Park, Down in 1997. Records have also been claimed for Derryhubbert, Loughgall and Brackagh Moss National Nature Reserve in Armagh. The validity of many of these records is questionable, since there are no voucher specimens to substantiate these claims.

Ecology: A rare species inhabiting woodland fens, wet meadows and general marshy areas. The larvae feed throughout March and April inside the catkins of sallow and other species of willow. It overwinters as an egg.

World Distribution: Eurasiatic; widespread throughout central and northern Europe.

Bradley & Fletcher number: 1811 Agassiz number: 70.147

Additional information:

UK Moths account

Caterpillar: