70.107 BF1795 - November Moth - Geometridae - Epirrita dilutata

70.107 BF1795 - Geometridae - Epirrita dilutata - November Moth

Adult Macro: CAT 4 - Dissection required -

- click for Adult Macro Verification Guidelines

- Generally Common / Widespread

Taxonomy: Macro >> Geometridae

ID Difficulty: Red

- difficult to identify - detailed examination required, often a Gen Det and/or specimen and quality photographs are required.
Confusion Species: Pale November Moth, Autumnal Moth

ID pointers: The four species of Epirrita moth are notoriously difficult to ID in the field. Best to follow the information contained in the ID Guides. In some cases the moths genitalia needs to be inspected. However in fresh clearly marked (dilutata) individuals, the post-median line touches or bends towards the small black discal spot if present. In the Pale November Moth (christyi) the black discal spot is isolated.

Distribution: A resident that is common and well distributed throughout the county. Can be very common locally.

Flight Period: September / October / November / - On the wing between September – November.

Moth Activity: Nocturnal - and is attracted to light

Wingspan: 38-44mm
Forewing: 15-20mm

Food Plant: Broadleaved trees.

Recorded dates for Common [Blue-coded ] moths are not stored on the website at this current time.

IMAGES BELOW: Christian Heintzen has kindly provided me with his fabulous plates, for which I’m very grateful, on identifying November Moth and Autumnal Moth by wing phenotype, octavals and flight season -Christian Heintzen©

November Moth – Geometridae – Epirrita dilutata – Christian Heintzen