70.231 BF1910 – Lilac Beauty – Geometridae – Apeira syringaria

70.231 BF1910 – Lilac Beauty – Apeira syringaria – (Linnaeus, 1758)

Adult Macro: CAT 2 – Can be confused with other species – Good photographs may be required –

– click for Adult Macro Verification Guidelines

– Rare / Uncommon / Scarce

Taxonomy: Macro >>. >> Geometridae >> Ennominae

ID Difficulty: green

– easy to identify, generally distinctive and unlikely to be confused with other species.

ID pointers: A large moth that is distinctive. Attractively marked with lilac and orange-brown shades across both upper-wing surfaces. The resting posture is diagnostic with leading edge of forewing creased. A bold brown horizontal line runs through fore & hind wing and a row of tiny black spots on hind wing.

Distribution: (Last record: 6 September 2025 at Drakelow WR ) – Resident widely distributed but generally uncommon in Derbyshire. Restricted to the south of the county and the population is precarious with very few records. Smaller numbers further north.

General Comment: None

Flight Period: June / July – On the wing June – July – one generation

Moth Activity: Nocturnal – and is attracted to light

*** Last updated on 13 January 2026 by TD ***

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Wingspan: 38-42mm
Forewing: 19-28mm

Food Plant: Honeysuckle (Lonicera), Ash and Wild Privet (Ligustrum).

Last Recorded Year: 2025

Last Recorded By – Mike Williams

Last Recorded General Area – Drakelow WR