Griposia aprilina (Linnaeus, 1758)

Description: Wingspan 42-52 mm. A distinctive moth that is unlikely to be confused with any other species flying in early autumn. Freshly emerged adults have pale green forewings, but the colour fades over time. There is a series of black spots across the central area of the forewing. The stigmata are paler than the base colour. The antemedian line and subterminal lines are white. The postmedian line is irregular. Hindwings are dark grey with a small discal spot.

Key Identification Features:

• Pale green forewings
• Black spots in central area of forewing
• Dark grey hind wings

Sets:

Flight Period: Early September to late October.

Status: Widespread and recorded from all counties. Frequently encountered in woodland areas in north Armagh and Fermanagh. It is probably under recorded in some woodland areas, especially in the west and parts of Antrim.

Ecology: An attractive autumnal species associated with oak Quercus spp. woodland, open parkland and other well established woodlands. Adults come frequently to light in small numbers and will also visit Ivy Hedera helix blossom and berries. The larvae feed from March until June on oak Quercus spp., resting by day among the deeper hollows and crevices of the trunk. It overwinters as an egg.

World Distribution: Local throughout western Europe to central Scandinavia.

Bradley & Fletcher number: 2247 Agassiz number: 73.224

Additional information:

UK Moths account

Caterpillar: