Species Details

ABH: 70.274

BF: 1951

Family: Geometridae

Subfamily: Ennominae

Taxon: Aethalura punctulata

Authority: ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)

Vernacular: Grey Birch

Account: Common in birch woodland and heathland throughout Britain, most numerous in south-eastern England. Small size precludes confusion with all but Dotted Carpet Alcis jubata, which is whiter, with more conspicuous black marking, and Brussels Lace Cleorodes lichenaria, which has bolder, more strongly dentate subterminal fascia. Larva feeds on Downy and Silver Birch, and Alder, over-wintering as a pupa.

Accounts provided by and used with the kind permission of Mike Wall, Hampshire County Moth Recorder. These will in due course be gradually replaced with species accounts with a Surrey context.

Wingspan: 30 — 35 mm

Surrey Flight Period: 23 Mar (1957) — 9 Jul (1976)

The flight period of overwintering adults are not given. See the flight chart below the distribution map.

Foodplant: Alnus glutinosa (Alder), Betula sp. (a birch).

Foodplant accounts are from the HOSTS database — Natural History Museum, London, UK. (CC0).

Status: Least Concern (LC)

UK BAP:

WCA:

Click here to view the full geology map of Surrey.

Verification Grade: 1 — Relatively easily identified 👌

Further Information: https://www.ukmoths.org.uk/species/aethalura-punctulata/

Statistics

* Based on adult records only.

Records: 380

Individuals: 171

Earliest Year: 1864

Latest Year: 2022

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