Eupithecia exiguata (Hubner, 1809-13)

Description: Wingspan 20-22 mm. Forewings rather pointed and usually pale brown, with a darker band mesial to the submarginal line. There is a small black discal spot near the costa and a series of small darker patches throughout. Hindwings pale whitish brown with a tiny discal spot.

Key Identification Features:

• Pointed apex to the forewings
• Dark median band and small black discal spot
• Darker patches across the forewings

Sets:

Flight Period: End of April to late June. Skinner gives May and June as the normal flight period in Britain.

Status: Widely distributed but local and recorded in recent times from scattered sites in southern counties.

Ecology: A woodland species also found in mature hedgerows and inland at some suburban gardens. Adults are occasionally seen at light in small numbers. The larvae feed during September and October on Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna, Blackthorn Prunus spinosaand Sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus. It overwinters as a pupa.

World Distribution: Widespread throughout central and northern Europe.

Bradley & Fletcher number: 1819 Agassiz number: 70.184

Additional information:

UK Moths account

Caterpillar: