Clouded Magpie – Geometridae – Ennominae – Abraxas sylvata – colour code •
STATUS – 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.
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.
FLIGHT PERIOD – On the wing – May – July
IMAGES – Via Gellia , Derbyshire – Clive Ashton©