Ipimorpha subtusa (Denis & Schiff., 1775)

Description: Wingspan 28-34 mm. Forewings are olive brown with pale, almost straight, antemedian and post median lines pale. The latter curves inwards at the end towards the costa. Subterminal line is not clearly defined. The stigmata are large and finely outlined. Hindwings fuscous with a small discal spot not always clearly evident.

Key Identification Features:

• Size
• Location and habitat
• Pale antemedian and postmedian lines
• Large stigmata

Sets:

Flight Period: Mid-July to early September.

Status: A scarce species in Ireland and initially described by Donovan as being confined to Fermanagh. In recent times there have only been a few records for this woodland species, from Gosford Forest Park, Armagh (where it has been found abundantly), Belvoir Park Forest, Down and Crom Estate, Fermanagh. There are old records from Antrim and Tyrone and Co. Kildare.

Ecology: A small woodland species associated with damp marshy habitats where poplars Populus spp. and Aspen Populus tremula grow. Adults come to light in small numbers and can damage themselves rather quickly in traps. The larvae feed during April and May. It overwinters as an egg.

World Distribution: Throughout western Europe from Spain to Fennoscandia.

Bradley & Fletcher number: 2312 Agassiz number: 73.213

Additional information:

UK Moths account

Caterpillar: