Species Details

ABH: 70.094

BF: 1759

Family: Geometridae

Subfamily: Larentiinae

Taxon: Ecliptopera silaceata

Authority: ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)

Vernacular: Small Phoenix

Account: Common in woodland rides, gardens, hedgerows, calcareous grassland, heathland and fens, and on allotments and roadside verges throughout the British Isles, a species of conservation concern under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. Occurs in two forms, one in which the central band is broken by a continuation of the notched proximal margin of the band, and one in which the central band in unbroken. Larva feeds on Rosebay Willowherb, Broad-leaved Willowherb, Great Willowherb and Enchanter's-nightshade, 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: 29 — 34 mm

Surrey Flight Period: 16 Apr (2007) — 23 Sep (1994)

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

Foodplant:

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

Status: Least Concern (LC)

UK BAP: BAP(R)

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/ecliptopera-silaceata/

Statistics

* Based on adult records only.

Records: 839

Individuals: 669

Earliest Year: 1864

Latest Year: 2025

« Previous Random 🎲 Next »