The Magpie       Clouded Border
70.206 BF1885  –  Geometridae –  Ennominae – Abraxas sylvata – Clouded Magpie – (Scopoli, 1763) Adult Macro:  CAT 1 – Distinctive species unlikely to be confused with others –       PDF Icon – click for Adult Macro Verification Guidelines
Green –  Rare / Uncommon / Scarce   
Taxonomy:   Macro   >>  Geometridae  >> Ennominae
ID Difficulty:  amber  – care required in the identification process, as confusion with similar species is likely – quality photographs required.
Confusion Species:  Magpie
ID pointers: Unmistakable. Similar to Magpie but lacks the bold black markings, replaced by blue/black blotches and orange brown blotches on inner edge of forewings and hind wings and at basal area of forewing.
Distribution:  (Last record: 12 July 2024 at Buxton )  –  A resident that has become scarce and uncommon and locally distributed in Derbyshire. Favours woodland areas where there are Elm Trees, principle colonies in the Limestone Dales. Dutch Elm disease is probably the cause of the decline in this species. On 24th June 2024 a total of 50 were recorded from a light trap in Via Gellia. 
Flight Period: May /  June /  July /  –  On the wing – May – July Moth Activity: Nocturnal  Crepuscular   – but often seen by day Photographed: Yes –  Photographed By: Clive Ashton  © All Rights Reserved
*** Last updated on 21 July 2025 by WS ***
Wingspan: 35-44mm
Forewing: 18-22mm Food Plant: Wych Elm and English Elm.
Last Recorded By – Ian White
Last Recorded General Area – Buxton
IMAGES BELOW:  Via Gellia , Derbyshire – Clive Ashton ©

Clouded Magpie - Clive Ashton
Clouded Magpie – Clive Ashton
Clouded Magpie - Clive Ashton
Clouded Magpie – Clive Ashton
Clouded Magpie Caterpillar - 31st August 2024 - Blackwell Mill - Ian White
Clouded Magpie Caterpillar – 31st August 2024 – Blackwell Mill – Ian White
Clouded Magpie - 21st June 2024 - Blackwell Mill - Ian White
Clouded Magpie – 21st June 2024 – Blackwell Mill – Ian White
Clouded Magpie - Clive Ashton
Clouded Magpie - Clive Ashton
Clouded Magpie Caterpillar - 31st August 2024 - Blackwell Mill - Ian White
Clouded Magpie - 21st June 2024 - Blackwell Mill - Ian White

Clouded Magpie - 21st June 2024 - Blackwell Mill - Ian White Clouded Magpie - 21st June 2024 - Blackwell Mill - Ian White
Clouded Magpie Caterpillar - 31st August 2024 - Blackwell Mill - Ian White Clouded Magpie Caterpillar - 31st August 2024 - Blackwell Mill - Ian White
e88e71c1-d040-4fa5-ae43-1d855e924912-edited Clouded Magpie - 24th June 2024 - Via Gellia, Derbyshire - Clive Ashton©

Distribution Map for Abraxas sylvata

Found 126 records
    ↳ 10 from After 2025
    ↳ 19 from 2020 - 2024
    ↳ 97 from Before 2020

If the Map Layers function fails, just refresh the page and it should be OK after. Use the +- zoom on the top left, or on a tablet, use two fingers to zoom. Remember, the last layer you ticked is the one which displays the popup information - they sit on top of each other - de-select then re-select, to see the popup values.

******* Choose ONLY one at a time, of either Monad, Tetrad or Hectad Distribution - each has it's own set of data. Also, the distribution maps cover ALL recorded data. *******

Bedrock Geology ** indirectly affects moth distribution by influencing the type of habitat and food plants available in an area. In turn, this may affect the types of moths that can thrive, or where they can most likely be found.

Land-cover * shows the variety of land-cover within the VC57 area, based on the CORINE (Coordination of Information on the Environment) forty-four thematic classes of land-cover. This will show, to a greater or lesser degree, the number and variety of moths found in different land-cover types. The UK continues to operate within the Copernicus programme, with the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) providing Corine Land Cover (CLC) datasets for the UK and its territories.


NBN Atlas UK Distribution for – Abraxas sylvata

⚠️ Please wait for the map to load fully – do not click the link shown.


Note – the NBN Atlas datasets are listed in the map below and vary in their currency (uptodateness) – however, the map does give a general indication of the moth's distribution across the UK.

Visit NBN Site


Monthly Records By Year: Abraxas sylvata
( data includes both Larvae and Adult Stages )

Monthly Counts By Year: Abraxas sylvata
( data is based on 'Adult' stage records only. )


First/Last Recorded Dates: Abraxas sylvata
Adult-only & Anything [Larvae, Pupae, Adult, Mines]

Shading shows moth presence between dates

Click the colour discs below to Select/De-select as Required

Recordings By Year: Abraxas sylvata
( All data includes both Larvae and Adult Stages )
Annual Growth Rate (AGR): Abraxas sylvata
AGR: 3.01%   |   Total % Change: 110%


CUSUM Analysis: Abraxas sylvata
About this chart: CUSUM (Cumulative Sum) charts track long-term trends in moth populations [ filtered by 'Adult' and 'Mine' life stages ] by showing whether each year’s counts are above or below the historical average. Even small shifts build up over time, making trends of growth, stability, or decline easier to see. CUSUM highlights trend-consistency — asking: “Across the years, have moth counts mostly stayed above or below average?”
The data sample has 4 gap year/s here (zero records) between 2000 and 2025. The moth may have been present in those gap years, but no data was available. Too many year-gaps may exaggerate or skew the chart.

Counts for the current year (2025) are pro-rated based on data available up to month 7 (July) to provide a full-year equivalent.

ⓘ Purple line rises = years better than average; falls = years worse than average.
Peak (best year) Trough (worst year) Growth periods Decline periods
Population peaked around 2009, reaching above average levels. The lowest population point occurred near 2006, showing a significant decline.

What the Y-axis "Cumulative Deviation" means: Cumulative Deviation shows the running total of how each year’s moth population count differs from the long-term average. i

Hectad (10kmx10km) Coverage: Abraxas sylvata
( data includes both Larvae and Adult Stages )

Flight Periods – Indicative –vs– Recorded Data
Abraxas sylvata
( data includes Adult Stage only )

Flight Period chart – the grey hatched area above, which can cross one or more months, pictorially represents the best guess we have for this moth's flight periods [month/s]. The coloured lines represent the actual months seen in flight, from site observation records received between 2020-2025.

Records Behind the Map and Charts - Abraxas sylvata – 126 records available

Listed by Year - descending - scroll across to see all table columns

TaxonSite NameTetradYearDateCountStageSource
Abraxas sylvataVia GelliaSK25T202502/07/20256adultvc57_irecords_extract
Abraxas sylvataWye DaleSK17B202502/06/20251Adultvc57_irecords_extract
Abraxas sylvataWye DaleSK17B202503/06/20251adultvc57_irecords_extract
Abraxas sylvataMiller's DaleSK17G202513/06/20255adultvc57_irecords_extract
Abraxas sylvataupper cromford gardenSK25Y202517/06/20251adultvc57_irecords_extract
Abraxas sylvataLowcroft, Buxton SK, UKSK07S202521/06/20251Adultvc57_irecords_extract
Abraxas sylvataWirksworth, Matlock DEHE, UKSK25S202516/06/20251Adultvc57_irecords_extract
Abraxas sylvataLathkill DaleSK16X202515/05/20253adultvc57_irecords_extract
Abraxas sylvataConksbury Old Hall, Conksbury, Bakewell DEJW, UKSK26C202519/05/20251Adultvc57_irecords_extract
Abraxas sylvataMiller's DaleSK17G202530/05/20251adultvc57_irecords_extract
Abraxas sylvataWye DaleSK17B202431/08/20241Larvavc57_irecords_extract
Abraxas sylvataOver Haddon, Bakewell DEJF, UKSK16X202408/07/20241Adultvc57_irecords_extract
Abraxas sylvataBuxton (w)SK07R202412/07/20241adultvc57_irecords_extract
Abraxas sylvataDerbyshire, UKSK17B202421/06/20241Adultvc57_irecords_extract
Abraxas sylvataBuxton SK, UKSK07R202424/06/20241Adultvc57_irecords_extract
Abraxas sylvataBuxton (w)SK07R202424/06/20241adultvc57_irecords_extract
Abraxas sylvataVia GelliaSK25T202424/06/202450adultvc57_irecords_extract
Abraxas sylvataNot givenSK16X202430/04/20241Adultvc57_irecords_extract
Abraxas sylvataMiddleton Wood verge Via GelliaSK25T202302/07/20231adultvc57_irecords_extract
Abraxas sylvataNot givenSK16X202313/06/20231Adultvc57_irecords_extract
Abraxas sylvataLower Cromford GardenSK25Y202321/06/20231adultvc57_irecords_extract
Abraxas sylvataLower Cromford GardenSK25Y202326/06/20231adultvc57_irecords_extract
Abraxas sylvataLower Cromford GardenSK25Y202222/07/20221adultvc57_irecords_extract
Abraxas sylvataNot givenSK16X202217/06/20221Adultvc57_irecords_extract
Abraxas sylvataBuxton SK, UKSK07S202230/06/20221Adultvc57_irecords_extract
Abraxas sylvataLadycroft AveSK07S202228/06/20221adultvc57_irecords_extract
Abraxas sylvataFindern, Derbyshire, DEAZSK33A202229/06/20221adultvc57_irecords_extract
Abraxas sylvataMonks DaleSK17H202115/06/20211not recordedvc57_irecords_extract
Abraxas sylvataDovedaleSK15L202016/07/20201Adultvc57_irecords_extract
Abraxas sylvataMillers Dale (Trail-Kiln)SK17G201715/07/20173Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataDovedale, Ashbourne DENL, UKSK15L201703/06/20171Adultvc57_irecords_extract
Abraxas sylvataLathkill DaleSK16Y201709/06/20174not recordedvc57_irecords_extract
Abraxas sylvataWhitwell Wood (centre area), Whitwell, WorksopSK57J201717/06/201730Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataMonsal DaleSK17Q201728/05/20171adultvc57_irecords_extract
Abraxas sylvataLathkill DaleSK16X201619/06/20162adultvc57_irecords_extract
Abraxas sylvataCalver MarshSK27M201517/07/20151Adultvc57_irecords_extract
Abraxas sylvataBuxton SK, UKSK07S201516/06/20151Adultvc57_irecords_extract
Abraxas sylvataNot givenSK25T201403/07/201466Adultvc57_irecords_extract
Abraxas sylvataNot givenSK21C201403/07/20141Adultvc57_irecords_extract
Abraxas sylvataCatton Wood, Walton on TrentSK21C201403/07/20141Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataLathkill DaleSK26D201429/06/20141Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataLathkill DaleSK26D201429/06/20141Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataDeep Dale NR, AshfordSK17Q201304/06/20131Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataVia Gellia,CromfordSK25T201204/08/20125Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataVia Gellia,CromfordSK25T201210/06/201210Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataLathkill Dale (woodland edge),YoulgreaveSK16X201103/09/20111Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataLathkill Dale (woodland edge),YoulgreaveSK16X201103/09/20111Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataOaks Barn Cottage, Monyash Rd, Over Haddon, BakewellSK26D201126/06/20111Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataVia Gellia,CromfordSK25T201120/06/20112Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataVia Gellia,CromfordSK25T201125/06/201135Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataHalldale Wood,Darley DaleSK26X201121/05/20114Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataLathkill DaleSK26D201004/09/20101Larvaevc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataBuxton SK, UKSK07S201006/06/20101Adultvc57_irecords_extract
Abraxas sylvataThe Hollies,Station Rd,Darley DaleSK26R201027/06/20101Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataLadycroft Ave,BuxtonSK07S201005/06/20101Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataLadycroft Ave, BuxtonSK07S201005/06/20101Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataEtherow CPSJ99Q200920/06/20091not recordedvc57_irecords_extract
Abraxas sylvataDovedale (Staffs side)SK15K200901/06/200972Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataLathkill DaleSK16X200807/06/200821Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataDovedaleSK15L200621/07/20063Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataWhitwell Wood (centre area), Whitwell, WorksopSK57J200618/06/200616Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataLathkill Dale,BakewellSK16Y200625/05/20061Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataWhitwell Wood,Whitwell,WorksopSK57J200501/07/20053Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataFlash Lane,Beeley Moor (site not precise)SK26Z200413/07/20041Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataLitton Frith Wood & MeadowSK17R200302/06/20031Adultvc57_irecords_extract
Abraxas sylvataLitton (Frith Wood & Meadow), Little LongstoneSK17R200302/06/20031Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataLitton (Frith Wood & Meadow), Little LongstoneSK17R200302/06/20031Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataLitton Frith Wood & MeadowSK17S200229/05/20021Adultvc57_irecords_extract
Abraxas sylvataLitton Frith Wood & MeadowSK17R200229/05/20021Adultvc57_irecords_extract
Abraxas sylvataLitton (Frith Wood & Meadow), Little LongstoneSK17S200229/05/20021Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataLitton (Frith Wood & Meadow), Little LongstoneSK17R200229/05/20021Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataLitton (Frith Wood & Meadow), Little LongstoneSK17S200229/05/20021Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataLitton (Frith Wood & Meadow), Little LongstoneSK17R200229/05/20021Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataVia Gelia (Bonsall Wood), CromfordSK25T200120/09/200120Larvaevc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataHalldale Wood,nr Darley Dale (site not precise)SK26X200118/06/20013Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataHalldale Wood,nr Darley Dale (site not precise)SK26X200128/06/20019Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataHalldale Wood,nr Darley Dale (site not precise)SK26X200129/06/20014Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataHalldale Wood,nr Darley Dale (site not precise)SK26X200118/06/20013Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataHalldale Wood,nr Darley Dale (site not precise)SK26X200128/06/20019Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataHalldale Wood,nr Darley Dale (site not precise)SK26X200129/06/20014Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataVia Gellia, Cromford (site not precise)SK25Y200127/05/20011Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataVia Gellia, Cromford (site not precise)SK25Y200127/05/20011Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataLitton (Frith Wood & Meadow), Little LongstoneSK17R200024/06/20001Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataLitton (Frith Wood & Meadow), Little LongstoneSK17R200024/06/20001Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataChee Dale, TideswellSK17G199702/06/19971Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataLitton Frith Wood & MeadowSK17R199518/06/19951Adultvc57_irecords_extract
Abraxas sylvataLitton (Frith Wood & Meadow), Little LongstoneSK17R199518/06/19951Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataLitton (Frith Wood & Meadow), Little LongstoneSK17R199518/06/19951Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataVia Gellia,CromfordSK25N199230/05/19921Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataWhitwell Wood,WhitwellSK57J199030/05/19901Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataWhitwell Wood,Whitwell,WorksopSK57J199030/05/19901Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataAbney CloughSK27E198406/07/19841Adultvc57_irecords_extract
Abraxas sylvataMatlock (Teacher Training College)SK36A198407/07/19841Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataAbney Clough,Great HucklowSK27E198406/07/19841Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataAbney Clough, Great HucklowSK27E198406/07/19841Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataDrummond Rd, IlkestonSK44R198307/07/19831Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataLathkill Dale (site not precise), BakewellSK16S198118/07/19811Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataClough Wood,Darley DaleSK26K198103/06/19811Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataClough Wood,Darley DaleSK26K198126/05/19813Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataVia Gellia (site not precise),CromfordSK25N198127/05/19811Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataClough Wood,Darley DaleSK26K198127/05/19811Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataVia Gellia (site not precise), CromfordSK25N198127/05/19811Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataAskew Grove, ReptonSK32D197612/06/19761Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataAskew Grove, ReptonSK32D197612/06/19761Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataNimblejack (quarry), Via Gellia, Cromford (site not precise)SK25T197115/06/19712Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataNimblejack (quarry), Via Gellia, Cromford (site not precise)SK25T197112/06/19715Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataVia Gellia, Cromford (site not precise)SK25Y197121/05/19715Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataHopton Wood Quarry (site not precise)SK25M197004/07/19701Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataGleadless Townend, SheffieldSK38W197001/06/19706Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataGleadless area (site not precise)SK38W197010/06/197015Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataWelbeck Rd, BolsoverSK47V196922/07/19691Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataThe Old Manse, Ault Hucknall, GlapwellSK46S196817/06/19683Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataThe Old Manse, Ault Hucknall, GlapwellSK46S196819/06/19682Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataThe Old Manse, Ault Hucknall, GlapwellSK46S196818/06/19689Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataThe Old Manse, Ault Hucknall, GlapwellSK46S196808/06/19681Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataLathkill Dale (site not precise), BakewellSK16S196703/06/19671Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataMoss Valley, FordSK48A196514/06/19651Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataMoss Valley, FordSK48A196514/06/19651Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataManners Wood,BakewellSK26J196018/06/19601Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataMoorend, Beeley, MatlockSK26T195926/06/19591Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataMoorend, BeeleySK26T195926/06/19591Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataLathkill Dale (site not precise)SK16S195603/06/19562Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataCowlishaw Wood, Old TuptonSK36S195313/06/19531Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataCowlishaw Wood, Old TuptonSK36S195313/06/19531Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataFord, Eckington (site not precise)SK47J194911/06/19495Adultvc57_danes_bc_data
Abraxas sylvataCressbrook Dale, Tideswell (site not precise)SK17R194819/06/19481Adultvc57_danes_bc_data

The Magpie       Clouded Border

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