Broom Moth       The Shears
Glaucous Shears - Christian Heintzen
73.272 BF2162  – Glaucous Shears  – Papestra biren  – (Goeze, 1781)
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  >>.  >>  Noctuidae  >> Hadeninae
ID Difficulty:  green  – easy to identify, generally distinctive and unlikely to be confused with other species.
ID pointers:  A rather pointed and narrow-winged moth, with a marbled ash-grey forewing with large creamy-white and rounded kidney marks. Despite the name, it does not show the characteristic  scissor-like marks of Shears
Distribution:   A resident that is confined to the gritstone moorland of North Derbyshire, where it is common and widely distributed.
General Comment: None Flight Period: May /  June –  On the wing May – June Moth Activity: Nocturnal   – and is attracted to light Photographed: Yes –  Photographed By: Christian Heintzen, Steve Orridge  © All Rights Reserved
*** Last updated on 2 October 2025 by RP ***
Wingspan: 32-40mm
Forewing: 15-18mm Food Plant: Heather (Calluna), Bog-myrtle (Myrica gale)
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:  Images by Steve Orridge© and Christian Heintzen© 

Glaucous Shears - Christian Heintzen
Glaucous Shears – Christian Heintzen
73.272 BF2162 - Glaucous Shears - Noctuidae - Papestra biren
Glaucous Shears – Steve Orridge
Glaucous Shears - Christian Heintzen
73.272 BF2162 - Glaucous Shears - Noctuidae - Papestra biren


Image Gallery

No gallery images found for this moth.


Temporal Distribution Chart
Adults: (between 1952 - 2025)
(click legend below to show/hide datasets)

Distribution Map for Papestra biren

Found 132 records
    ↳ from 2026+
    ↳ 25 from 2020 - 2025
    ↳ 107 from Before 2020
Flying
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

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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 – Papestra biren

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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: Papestra biren
( data includes both Larvae and Adult Stages )

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

First/Last Recorded Dates: Papestra biren
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: Papestra biren
( All data includes both Larvae and Adult Stages )
Annual Growth Rate (AGR): Papestra biren
AGR: 7.56%   |   Total % Change: 475%

Hectad (10kmx10km) Coverage: Papestra biren
( data includes both Larvae and Adult Stages )

Flight Periods – Indicative –vs– Recorded Data
Papestra biren

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 - Papestra biren – 132 records available

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

Site NameTetradDateCountStageRecorderSourceRecordKey
Glossop, Hague Street, Hay MeadowSK09G21/05/20251adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC43979268
Glossop, Hague Street, Hay MeadowSK09G12/05/20251adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC43979083
Cote Heath Allotments, BuxtonSK07R10/05/20251adultSteven Bellvc57_irecords_extractiBRC41496548
Lowcroft, Buxton SK, UKSK07S04/05/20251AdultMarkCockervc57_irecords_extractiBRC41523767
Glossop, Moorfield, Wood's CabinSK09L02/05/202583adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC43979003
Birch ValeSK08I30/04/20252adultHewitt, Janevc57_irecords_extractiBRC47544294
Ladycroft Ave, BuxtonSK07S28/04/20252adultOrridge, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC41605044
Birch ValeSK08I27/04/20251adultHewitt, Janevc57_irecords_extractiBRC47544277
Glossop, Moorfield, Wood's CabinSK09L08/05/20241adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC36371602
Glossop, Moorfield, Wood's CabinSK09L22/05/20236adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC36335989
Glossop, Moorfield, Wood's CabinSK09L18/05/202312adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC36335974
Glossop, Shawmoor PlantationSK09F13/05/20231adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC36335928
Buxton SK, UKSK07S17/06/20211AdultOrridge, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC22785795
Hathersage, Derbyshire, UKSK28F09/06/20211adultMiles, Clairevc57_irecords_extractiBRC29584335
Buxton SK, UKSK07S03/06/20211AdultOrridge, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC22734754
The Mays, Malthouse Lane, FroggattSK27N28/05/20201adultBARNACLE, Mr B.&.Mrs.K.Danes_2019-2021732
White Knowle Road, BuxtonSK07R26/05/20201adultMortin, Jonvc57_irecords_extractiBRC13957596
White Knowle Road, BuxtonSK07R26/05/20201AdultMortin, Jonvc57_irecords_extractiBRC22330572
The Mays, Malthouse Lane, FroggattSK27N25/05/20201adultBARNACLE, Mr B.&.Mrs.K.Danes_2019-2021747
Ladycroft Ave, BuxtonSK07S21/05/20203adultOrridge, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC35094887
Ladycroft Ave, BuxtonSK07S20/05/20201adultOrridge, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC35094853
The Mays, Malthouse Lane, FroggattSK27N19/05/20203adultBARNACLE, Mr B.&.Mrs.K.Danes_2019-2021778
Ladycroft Ave, BuxtonSK07S18/05/20202adultOrridge, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC35094811
The Mays, Malthouse Lane, FroggattSK27N18/05/20201adultBARNACLE, Mr B.&.Mrs.K.Danes_2019-2021785
Ladycroft Ave, BuxtonSK07S16/05/20201adultOrridge, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC35094773
Hathersage, Derbyshire, UKSK28F01/06/20191adultMiles, Clairevc57_irecords_extractiBRC12641320
The Mays, Malthouse Lane, FroggattSK27N01/06/20191adultBARNACLE, Mr B.&.Mrs.K.Danes_2019-20211607
Buxton (Cote Heath Allotments)SK07R23/05/20191adultBELL, Mr S.Danes_2019-20211641
Birch ValeSK08I21/05/20192adultHewitt, Janevc57_irecords_extractiBRC35073319
Birch ValeSK08I19/05/20191adultHewitt, Janevc57_irecords_extractiBRC35073249
Barbrook Resvr, BaslowSK27T15/05/201912AdultB.J.N. Hillvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WP0FK
Barbrook Resvr, BaslowSK27T01/05/201919AdultB.J.N. Hillvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WP0F7
Barbrook Resvr, BaslowSK27T23/04/201927AdultB.J.N. Hillvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WP53I
Hathersage, Derbyshire, UKSK28F22/04/20191adultMiles, Clairevc57_irecords_extractiBRC12725234
Birch ValeSK08I30/05/20181adultHewitt, Janevc57_irecords_extractiBRC40107247
Ashop CloughSK19A23/06/20161adultHewitt, Janevc57_irecords_extractiBRC41008261
Ladycroft AveSK07S20/05/20141adultOrridge, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC41012670
Ladycroft AveSK07S18/05/20142adultOrridge, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC41012656
Birch ValeSK08I17/05/20141adultHewitt, Janevc57_irecords_extractiBRC41009977
Birch Barn, New Mills Rd, Birch ValeSK08I17/05/20141AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OLG1M
Ladycroft AveSK07S07/07/20131adultOrridge, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC40990834
Ladycroft AveSK07S25/06/20131adultOrridge, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC40990708
Welbeck Drive, WingerworthSK36T21/06/20131AdultB.J.N. Hillvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WOU5X
Welbeck Drive, WingerworthSK36T20/06/20131AdultB.J.N. Hillvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WOWMD
Macclesfield Rd, Whaley BridgeSK08A18/06/20131AdultA. Seymour;D. Arnoldvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WOWKL
The Mays,Malthouse Lane,FroggattSK27N09/06/20132AdultBarnacle, Brianvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJWF5
The Mays,Malthouse Lane,FroggattSK27N09/06/20132AdultB. Barnacle;K. Barnaclevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WQBU5
Ladycroft Ave,BuxtonSK07S01/06/20121AdultOrridge, Stevevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJUAT
Ladycroft Ave, BuxtonSK07S01/06/20121AdultOrridge, Stevevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WOYD7
Ladycroft Ave,BuxtonSK07S30/05/20124AdultOrridge, Stevevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OL5X4
Ladycroft Ave, BuxtonSK07S30/05/20124AdultOrridge, Stevevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WOTRW
Ladycroft Ave,BuxtonSK07S27/05/20122AdultOrridge, Stevevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OKFYF
Ladycroft Ave, BuxtonSK07S27/05/20122AdultOrridge, Stevevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WQBGB
Ladycroft Ave,BuxtonSK07S26/05/20123AdultOrridge, Stevevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OK8MN
Ladycroft Ave, BuxtonSK07S26/05/20123AdultOrridge, Stevevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WPNJL
Derbyshire, UKSK07M24/05/20121AdultOrridge, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC22503718
Ladycroft Ave,BuxtonSK07S22/05/20124AdultOrridge, Stevevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJU6J
Ladycroft Ave, BuxtonSK07S22/05/20124AdultOrridge, Stevevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WPNIL
Beeley Triangle,Beeley MoorSK26Y01/06/20111AdultA. Butlervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OKZZW
Beeley Triangle, Beeley Moor, BeeleySK26Y01/06/20111AdultA. Butlervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WPD46
Oaks Barn Cottage, Monyash Rd, Over Haddon, BakewellSK26D22/05/20112AdultD.A. Clarkevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJRIL
Ladycroft Ave,BuxtonSK07S10/05/20111AdultOrridge, Stevevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OK5TK
Ladycroft Ave, BuxtonSK07S10/05/20111AdultOrridge, Stevevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WQASS
Ladycroft Ave,BuxtonSK07S08/05/20113AdultOrridge, Stevevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OKZGO
Ladycroft Ave, BuxtonSK07S08/05/20113AdultOrridge, Stevevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WPBKK
Ladycroft Ave,BuxtonSK07S06/05/20113AdultOrridge, Stevevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OK5S3
Ladycroft Ave, BuxtonSK07S06/05/20113AdultOrridge, Stevevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WQ2PS
Oaks Barn Cottage, Monyash Rd, Over Haddon, BakewellSK26D24/04/20112AdultD.A. Clarkevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OKZ8Z
Ault Hucknall,GlapwellSK46S23/04/20111AdultM.E. Bradleyvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OKZ86
Ladycroft Ave,BuxtonSK07S30/06/20101AdultOrridge, Stevevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJOVR
Ladycroft Ave, BuxtonSK07S30/06/20101AdultOrridge, Stevevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WPL9V
Ladycroft Ave,BuxtonSK07S05/06/20102AdultOrridge, Stevevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OKS8B
Ladycroft Ave, BuxtonSK07S05/06/20102AdultOrridge, Stevevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WQAMJ
Millstone Edge,HathersageSK28K04/06/20101AdultH.E. Beaumont;R.F. Botterillvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OKD5D
The Mays,Malthouse Lane,FroggattSK27N31/05/20101AdultBarnacle, Brianvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OKD3S
The Mays,Malthouse Lane,FroggattSK27N31/05/20101AdultB. Barnacle;K. Barnaclevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WPHS3
Rose Av,ClowneSK57D24/05/20102AdultD. Hursthousevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJNZE
Buxton SK, UKSK07S20/05/20101AdultOrridge, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC22503657
The Mays,Malthouse Lane,FroggattSK27N10/06/20091AdultBarnacle, Brianvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OKN8I
The Mays,Malthouse Lane,FroggattSK27N10/06/20091AdultB. Barnacle;K. Barnaclevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WPRSP
The Hollies,Station Rd,Darley DaleSK26R29/05/20091AdultRoddis, Simonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OKMWP
Littlewood,Barber Booth,EdaleSK18C12/06/20071AdultDave Budworth;J.A. Bowervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OKEXH
Littlewood,Barber Booth,EdaleSK18C04/06/20071AdultDave Budworth;J.A. Bowervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJIBP
Cross Green Cottages,Flint Lane,South DarleySK26Q23/06/20061AdultR. Hawksworthvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHT02
The Hollies,Station Rd,Darley DaleSK26R09/06/20061AdultRoddis, Simonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OI7BU
Beeley Moor TriangleSK26Y03/06/200611adultFinch, Graham Leonardvc57_irecords_extractiBRC35105383
Beeley Moor, BeeleySK26Z03/06/200611AdultB.L. Statham;G.L. Finch;M.A. Finchvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OI792
Flash Lane,Beeley MoorSK26X27/05/20052AdultB.L. Stathamvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OI5ZK
Buxton SK, UKSK07S25/05/20041AdultOrridge, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC22503404
Blacka Moor, Dore, SheffieldSK28V12/06/20012AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHOFB
Blacka Moor, Dore, SheffieldSK28V12/06/20012AdultI. Crackles;P. Housleyvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WPEX8
Beeley Moor, Beeley (site not precies)SK26Z23/05/19921AdultA. Jenkinsvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIVWF
Cross Green Cottages,Flint Lane,South DarleySK26Q20/05/19921AdultR. Hawksworthvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIVV3
Beeley Moor, Beeley (site not precies)SK26Z26/05/199121AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHL4X
Beeley Moor (site not precise)SK26Z26/05/199121AdultA. Braddock;T. Durovc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WQ57Y
Hell Bank Plantation, Beeley MoorSK26Z19/05/19911AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIV3X
Hell Bank Plantation, Beeley MoorSK26Z19/05/19911AdultA. Braddock;B.L. Statham;T. Durovc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WONCR
Beeley Moor, Beeley (site not precies)SK26Z12/05/19911AdultA. Braddockvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIV3F
Beeley Moor (site not precise)SK26Z12/05/19911AdultA. Braddockvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WONCB
Beeley Moor (triangle), BeeleySK26Y27/05/19901AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIU9K
Beeley Moor (triangle), BeeleySK26Y27/05/19901AdultA Jenkins;B.L. Stathamvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WON9A
Parkway, New MillsSK08D10/05/19901AdultJ. Pottsvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIU7W
Hell Bank Plantation, Beeley Moor (site not precise)SK26Z28/05/19881AdultA. Jenkinsvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIE68
ChisworthSJ99V01/01/19871adultHind, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC36424667
Beeley Lodge, ChatsworthSK26U22/05/19821AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJHU2
Beeley Lodge, Chatsworth ParkSK26U22/05/19821AdultA.C. Warnevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WQ159
Upper Booth, EdaleSK08X13/06/19801AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHXPX
Upper Booth, EdaleSK08X20/05/19801AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIM7T
Welbeck Rd, BolsoverSK47Q12/06/19691AdultM.E. Bradleyvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHW3V
Berry St, Hepthorne Lane, North WingfieldSK46C05/06/19681AdultJ.H. Johnsonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WOTD3
The Old Manse, Ault Hucknall, GlapwellSK46S30/05/19681AdultJ.H. Johnsonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WPAAE
Beeley Moor, Beeley (site not precies)SK26Z08/06/19661AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHEIS
Beeley Moor, Beeley (site not precise)SK26Z08/06/19661AdultB. Elliottvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WP57V
Beeley Moor, Beeley (site not precies)SK26Z27/05/19651AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIH9L
Beeley Moor, Beeley (site not precise)SK26Z27/05/19651AdultB. Elliottvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WP9NQ
Gladwin's Mark, Beeley MoorSK36D26/05/19641AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIH6F
Slagmill Plantation,Beeley MoorSK36E04/06/19631AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHEE1
Wragg's Quarry,Rowsley MoorSK26Y04/06/19601AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIGON
Wragg's Quarry, Beeley Moor, BeeleySK26Y04/06/19601AdultA. Hepworth;B. Elliottvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WP7PM
Moorend, Beeley, MatlockSK26T26/05/19607AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OI9KZ
Moorend, BeeleySK26T26/05/19607AdultB.S. Fletchervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WPITB
Moorend, Beeley, MatlockSK26T25/05/19601AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHE7D
Moorend, BeeleySK26T25/05/19601AdultB.S. Fletchervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WP7OP
Wragg's Quarry,Rowsley MoorSK26Y14/05/19601AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIGJN
Wragg's Quarry, Beeley Moor, BeeleySK26Y14/05/19601AdultA. Hepworth;B. Elliottvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WPISH
Beeley Moor, Beeley (site not precies)SK26Z17/05/19591AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHDW9
Beeley Moor, Beeley (site not precise)SK26Z17/05/19591AdultB.S. Fletchervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WOQSS
Longside Rd, Beeley Moor (site not precise)SK36E24/05/19531AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJHO7
Longside Rd, Beeley Moor (site not precise)SK36E24/05/19531AdultJ.H. Johnsonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WOQMP
Longside Rd, Beeley Moor (site not precise)SK36E25/05/19525AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHDIW
Beeley Moor, Beeley (site not precise)SK26Z25/05/19521AdultJ.H. Johnsonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WPZD1
Longside Rd, Beeley Moor (site not precise)SK36E25/05/19525AdultJ.H. Johnsonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WPZD2

Broom Moth       The Shears

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