Brindled White Spot        Common Heath
70.274 BF1951 - Grey Birch - Geometridae - Aethalura punctulata
70.274 BF1951  – Grey Birch  – Aethalura punctulata  – ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)
Adult Macro:  CAT 1 – Distinctive species unlikely to be confused with others –      
PDF Icon – click for Adult Macro Verification Guidelines
Blue –  Generally Common / Widespread   
Taxonomy:   Macro  >>.  >>  Geometridae  >> Ennominae
ID Difficulty:  green  – easy to identify, generally distinctive and unlikely to be confused with other species.
ID pointers: A grey-brown moth that rests with slightly rounded wings open and flat. Has four distinct blotches along the leading edge of the forewing, with the inner and outer spurring off weak cross-lines. 
Distribution:  Resident, widely distributed and fairly common but local in lowland Derbyshire. It is most common in ancient woods south of the Trent Valley and in scattered areas of the Derwent Valley. Not recorded in the northern areas of the county.
General Comment: None Flight Period: May /  June –  On the wing May – June Moth Activity: Nocturnal  Photographed: Yes –  Photographed By: Tony Davison  © All Rights Reserved
*** Last updated on 2 October 2025 by RP ***
Wingspan: 30-35mm
Forewing: 13-16mm Food Plant: Birch (Betula).
Specific Recorded History Dates for Common [Blue code Blue-coded] moths is not displayed/updated in this tab. However, all verified records for this moth are listed in the RECORDS tab below.
Selected Images:  Foremark Reservoir, Derbyshire – Images by Tony Davison © 

70.274 BF1951 - Grey Birch - Geometridae - Aethalura punctulata
Grey Birch – Aethalura punctulata
70.274 BF1951 - Grey Birch - Geometridae - Aethalura punctulata


Image Gallery

Grey Birch - Foremark - Tony Davison©

Temporal Distribution Chart
Adults: (between 1968 - 2025)  |  Immatures: (between 1981 - 1981)
(click legend below to show/hide datasets)

Distribution Map for Aethalura punctulata

Found 103 records
    ↳ from 2026+
    ↳ 43 from 2020 - 2025
    ↳ 60 from Before 2020
Flying
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

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.

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.


NBN Atlas UK Distribution for – Aethalura punctulata

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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.

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Monthly Records By Year: Aethalura punctulata
( data includes both Larvae and Adult Stages )

Monthly Counts By Year: Aethalura punctulata
( data is based on 'Adult' stage records only )

First/Last Recorded Dates: Aethalura punctulata
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: Aethalura punctulata
( All data includes both Larvae and Adult Stages )
Annual Growth Rate (AGR): Aethalura punctulata
AGR: 3.32%   |   Total % Change: 126.3%

Hectad (10kmx10km) Coverage: Aethalura punctulata
( data includes both Larvae and Adult Stages )

Flight Periods – Indicative –vs– Recorded Data
Aethalura punctulata

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 2020-2026.

Records Behind the Map and Charts - Aethalura punctulata – 103 records available

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

Site NameTetradDateCountStageRecorderSourceRecordKey
Derbyshire Wild Life Trust Long Clough, Herod CloughSK09G24/05/20251adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC43979328
Longdendale, Wildboar Clough WoodlandSK09U20/05/20257adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC43979243
Markham Vale South Tip , DerbyshireSK47K18/05/20251adultMorris, Sidvc57_irecords_extractiBRC41676761
Derbyshire Wild Life Trust Long CloughSK09G17/05/20251adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC43979175
MellorSJ98Z13/05/20251adultKnass, Davidvc57_irecords_extractiBRC41770542
Longdendale, Torside grassland and willow carrSK09U12/05/20251adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC43979095
Froggatt, Hope ValleySK27N10/05/20251adultBarnacle, Bryanvc57_irecords_extractiBRC41499662
Derbyshire Wild Life Trust Long CloughSK09G03/05/20251adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC43979020
Langley Mill, UKSK44N01/05/20251AdultBenniston, Lucyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC41291159
Cromford MoorSK25X01/05/20256adultAshton, Clivevc57_irecords_extractiBRC41331123
Poolsbrook, Staveley, Chesterfield, DerbyshireSK47G01/05/20252adultClarke, Julianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC48606222
Hall Wood, CarsingtonSK25R30/04/20251adultAshton, Clivevc57_irecords_extractiBRC41295288
Staveley DerbyshireSK47H29/04/20251adultMorris, Sidvc57_irecords_extractiBRC41272914
Inkersall gardenSK47G28/04/20251adultDon Cambridgevc57_irecords_extractiBRC41196161
Markham Vale DerbyshireSK47L28/04/202510adultMorris, Sidvc57_irecords_extractiBRC41247042
Allestree, DerbySK33P26/04/20251adultPlant, Stephenvc57_irecords_extractiBRC41152862
Derbyshire Wild Life Trust Long CloughSK09G24/04/20253adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC43978989
Derbyshire Wild Life Trust Long CloughSK09G22/04/20251adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC43978965
Birch ValeSK08I12/04/20252adultHewitt, Janevc57_irecords_extractiBRC47544251
Longdendale, Wildboar CloughSK09U19/05/20244adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC36371776
Glossop, Shire Hill, southSK09M16/05/20246adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC36371720
Derbyshire Wild Life Trust Long CloughSK09G15/05/20241adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC36371692
Glossop, The TwitchlingsSK09K11/05/20242adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC36371630
Derbyshire Wild Life Trust Long CloughSK09G10/05/20241adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC36371618
Longdendale, Wildboar CloughSK09U09/05/202416adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC36371604
Derbyshire Wild Life Trust Long CloughSK09G02/05/20245adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC36371567
Lower Cromford GardenSK25Y30/04/20241adultAshton, Clivevc57_irecords_extractiBRC35674386
Derbyshire Wild Life Trust Long CloughSK09G30/04/20242adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC36371551
Derbyshire Wild Life Trust Long CloughSK09G21/04/20243adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC36371520
Staveley DerbyshireSK47H12/04/20241adultMorris, Sidvc57_irecords_extractiBRC35403722
Markham Vale , Seymour , DerbyshireSK47L11/04/20241adultMorris, Sidvc57_irecords_extractiBRC35403684
Longdendale, Wildboar CloughSK09U28/05/20233adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC36336058
Hathersage, Derbyshire, UKSK28F27/05/20231adultMiles, Clairevc57_irecords_extractiBRC30542079
Derbyshire Wild Life Trust Long CloughSK09G27/05/20231adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC36336042
Derbyshire Wild Life Trust Long CloughSK09G16/05/20231adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC36335963
Glossop, Gnat Hole Rough FieldsSK09L14/05/20232adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC36335944
Derbyshire Wild Life Trust Long CloughSK09G08/05/20234adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC36335908
Derbyshire Wild Life Trust Long CloughSK09G03/05/20233adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC36335877
Upper Cromford GardenSK25Y01/05/20231adultAshton, Clivevc57_irecords_extractiBRC34568031
Hathersage, Derbyshire, UKSK28F16/04/20221adultMiles, Clairevc57_irecords_extractiBRC28672302
Birch ValeSK08I29/05/20201adultHewitt, Janevc57_irecords_extractiBRC35067026
Birch ValeSK08I20/05/20201adultHewitt, Janevc57_irecords_extractiBRC35067321
Station Road, Darley DaleSK26R26/04/20201adultRoddis, Simonvc57_irecords_extractiBRC35374015
Birch ValeSK08I10/06/20172adultHewitt, Janevc57_irecords_extractiBRC40500585
Birch ValeSK08I24/05/20171adultHewitt, Janevc57_irecords_extractiBRC40500978
Yew Tree FarmSK36H03/06/20161adultSinnott, Tonyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC38922709
School Close,Parkway Gardens,Darley DaleSK26R31/05/20131AdultA. Butlervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WOYJ2
School Close,Parkway Gardens,Darley DaleSK26R29/05/20121AdultA. Butlervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WPLYM
Clough Wood,Darley DaleSK26K25/05/20121AdultA. Butlervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJU7T
Clough Wood,Darley DaleSK26K25/05/20121AdultA. Butlervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WQBEW
School Close,Parkway Gardens,Darley DaleSK26R24/05/20121AdultA. Butlervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OL5SI
Clough Wood,Darley DaleSK26K06/05/20114AdultA. Butlervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OK5S6
Clough Wood,Darley DaleSK26K22/04/20116AdultA. Butlervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OKZ5X
Wirestone, Slack, MatlockSK36G16/04/20114AdultD.A. Clarkevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJR7O
School Close,Parkway Gardens,Darley DaleSK26R08/04/20111AdultA. Butlervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OK5LA
The Hollies,Station Rd,Darley DaleSK26R07/04/20111AdultRoddis, Simonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OKYVM
The Hollies,Station Rd,Darley DaleSK26R06/06/20101AdultRoddis, Simonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OKD88
Millstone Edge,HathersageSK28K04/06/20101AdultH.E. Beaumont;R.F. Botterillvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OKD4Q
Elm Wood,DerbySK33R22/05/20101AdultBUDWORTH, Mr D., WARD, Mr N.J., PATRICK, Mr P., MIvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJNY9
Carvers Rocks (old toilet block area), Hartshorne, SwadlincoteSK32G10/05/20084AdultDave Budworth;N.J. Wardvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJZKO
The Hollies,Station Rd,Darley DaleSK26R20/05/20071AdultRoddis, Simonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OKGBD
Spinney Hill,MelbourneSK32X07/07/20061AdultDavison, Tonyvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJDII
Mercaston Marsh, Mercaston, BrailsfordSK24R17/06/20061AdultDave Budworth;N.J. Wardvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIF9Y
The Hollies,Station Rd,Darley DaleSK26R12/06/20061AdultRoddis, Simonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJC5Q
Church St,Holloway,MatlockSK35I07/06/20061AdultF. Harrisonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHSO0
The Hollies,Station Rd,Darley DaleSK26R11/05/20061AdultRoddis, Simonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJBLH
Bow Wood,Holloway,MatlockSK35D11/05/20061AdultF. Harrisonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJBLU
The Hollies,Station Rd,Darley DaleSK26R09/05/20061AdultRoddis, Simonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJBK7
Ault Hucknall,GlapwellSK46S16/08/20051AdultM.E. Bradleyvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJAL2
Shipley Park (Cinder Hill), Shipley, IlkestonSK44H02/07/20051AdultDave Budworth;B.G. Sewell;T. Durovc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WOXL9
Church St,Holloway,MatlockSK35I07/06/20041AdultF. Harrisonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJ5JF
Ault Hucknall,GlapwellSK46S05/06/20041AdultM.E. Bradleyvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJ5H4
Clough Wood/Darley BridgeSK26Q28/05/20041AdultRoddis, Simonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OI55N
FOREMARK RESERVOIRSK32H22/05/20041adultDavison, Tonyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC33442653
Foremark Res (Visitor's Centre),TicknallSK32G22/05/20041AdultDave Budworth;A. Davison;N. Topliss;W. Soarvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJ57J
Carvers Rocks, Hartshorne, SwadlincoteSK32G15/05/20041AdultDave Budworthvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHPSB
Blacka Moor, Dore, SheffieldSK28V08/05/20011AdultI. Crackles;P. Housleyvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WQ5XQ
School Close,Parkway Gardens,Darley DaleSK26R08/05/20001AdultA. Butlervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WPGY0
Elvaston Park, DerbySK43B02/05/19971AdultI. Travers-Ayre;I.M. Viles;T. Barnard;T. Durovc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WOS83
Carvers Rocks, Hartshorne, SwadlincoteSK32G14/04/19971AdultDave Budworth;I. Travers-Ayre;I.M. Viles;T. Barnarvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WPEU0
Dorothy Ave, SandiacreSK43T08/05/19941AdultI.M. Vilesvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OI1YY
Elvaston Park, DerbySK43B22/05/19931AdultI.M. Vilesvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIWVD
Pond House, Mapperley Res, IlkestonSK44G14/05/19921AdultT. Durovc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WOMT7
Whitwell Wood,WhitwellSK57J30/05/19901AdultR.F. Botterillvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHKRZ
Shipley Wood, Shipley ParkSK44L24/05/19852AdultT. Durovc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIRCK
Matlock (Teacher Training College)SK36A31/05/19821AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIOID
Crich Chase, Ambergate (site not precise)SK35L28/05/19821AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIOGU
Shipley Wood, Shipley ParkSK44L21/05/19823AdultT. Durovc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIDVS
Crich Chase, Ambergate (site not precise)SK35L20/05/19821AdultBRADDOCK, Mr A., DURO, Mr T., STERLING, MR M J, STvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIDUY
Shipley Wood, Shipley ParkSK44L07/05/19821AdultT. Durovc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIOFP
Carvers Rocks NR, Hartshorne, Swadlincote (site not precise)SK32G13/06/19811AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OINJS
Shipley Wood, Shipley Park, IlkestonSK44L04/06/19813AdultBRADDOCK, Mr A., DURO, Mr T., ELLIOTT, Mr B., STATvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIDSM
Clough Wood,Darley DaleSK26K27/05/19811AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OINIC
Clough Wood,Darley DaleSK26K24/05/19811LarvaeVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHY64
Drummond Rd, IlkestonSK44R22/05/19811AdultT. Durovc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHY5U
Clough Wood (near stream), Darley DaleSK26K01/05/19811AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OINH2
Carvers Rocks NR, Hartshorne, Swadlincote (site not precise)SK32G03/06/19802AdultD.A. Youngvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHGSZ
Carvers Rocks NR, Hartshorne, Swadlincote (site not precise)SK32G30/05/19803AdultD.A. Youngvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHXOA
Carvers Rocks NR,Hartshorne,SwadlincoteSK32G18/05/19794AdultD.A. Youngvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHXG9
Field Studies Building, Drakelow Nature TrailSK21J04/06/19771AdultDave Budworthvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHFXF
Field Close, Hilton, Burton on TrentSK23K13/06/19761AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OI9S0
Field Studies Building, Drakelow Nature TrailSK21J09/05/19761AdultDave Budworthvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OI9QV
The Old Manse, Ault Hucknall, GlapwellSK46S06/07/19681AdultJ.H. Johnsonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WPW7J

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