70.203 BF1661 - Orange Underwing - Geometridae - Archiearis parthenias
70.203 BF1661  – Orange Underwing  – Archiearis parthenias  – (Linnaeus, 1761)
Adult Macro:  CAT 2 – Can be confused with other species – Good photographs maybe required – Can be confused with other species      
PDF Icon – click for Adult Macro Verification Guidelines

Blue –  Generally Common / Widespread        day-flying – Day-flying
Taxonomy:   Macro  >>.  >>  Geometridae  >> Archiearinae
ID Difficulty:  amber  – care required in the identification process, as confusion with similar species is likely – quality photographs required.
Confusion Species:  Light Orange Underwing
ID pointers: The Orange Underwing is a day flying moth and very active in warm spring sunshine, appearing orange brown in flight. Can be confused with the similar Light Orange Underwing. 
Examination of the antennae is required to ID the species. Male Orange Underwing antennae are finely serrated (bipectinated), whereas the Male Light Orange Underwing antennae is feathered. There is also a strong white diagonal cross-band on the upper forewing of this species. On the under hindwing the orange band extends to outer-edge. On Light Orange Underwing the dark outer band is unbroken.
Distribution:  A beautiful spring moth that is widely distributed in Derbyshire and locally common wherever there are areas of birch. 
General Comment: None
Flight Period: March /  April –  On the wing – March – April. Photographed: Yes –  Photographed By: Tony Davison  © All Rights Reserved
*** Last updated on 2 October 2025 by RP ***
Wingspan: 30-40mm
Forewing: 16-19mm
Food Plant: Downy Birch, Silver Birch
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 – Tony Davison ©



Temporal Distribution Chart
Adults: (between 1915 - 2025)
(click legend below to show/hide datasets)

Distribution Map for Archiearis parthenias

Found 148 records
    ↳ from 2026+
    ↳ 25 from 2020 - 2025
    ↳ 123 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 – Archiearis parthenias

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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: Archiearis parthenias
( data includes both Larvae and Adult Stages )

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

First/Last Recorded Dates: Archiearis parthenias
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: Archiearis parthenias
( All data includes both Larvae and Adult Stages )
Annual Growth Rate (AGR): Archiearis parthenias
AGR: -6.14%   |   Total % Change: -79.5%

Hectad (10kmx10km) Coverage: Archiearis parthenias
( data includes both Larvae and Adult Stages )

Flight Periods – Indicative –vs– Recorded Data
Archiearis parthenias

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 - Archiearis parthenias – 148 records available

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

Site NameTetradDateCountStageRecorderSourceRecordKey
Salter Wood Denby - SSK34Y11/06/20251AdultRogers, Janevc57_irecords_extractiBRC42546825
Salter Wood Denby - SSK34Z23/05/20256AdultRogers, Janevc57_irecords_extractiBRC42546821
Salter Wood Denby - SSK34Z18/05/20251AdultRogers, Janevc57_irecords_extractiBRC42309425
Salter Wood Denby - SSK34Z11/05/20253AdultRogers, Janevc57_irecords_extractiBRC42309187
Hathersage moorSK28K10/04/20251AdultJim Horsfallvc57_irecords_extractiBRC40912388
Poolsbrook C.P.SK47M03/04/20251adultMorris, Sidvc57_irecords_extractiBRC40650186
Ramsley reservoir DerbyshireSK27X29/03/20252adultMorris, Sidvc57_irecords_extractiBRC40546163
Moss ValleySK48A27/03/20251AdultTait, Malcolmvc57_irecords_extractiBRC40530403
Drakelow N.R.SK22F20/03/20251adultWilliams, Michaelvc57_irecords_extractiBRC40466510
Markham Vale DerbyshireSK47K20/03/20251adultMorris, Sidvc57_irecords_extractiBRC40475276
Spring WoodSK32R19/03/20251adultWilliams, Michaelvc57_irecords_extractiBRC40458670
DrakelowSK21J09/03/20252adultWilliams, Michaelvc57_irecords_extractiBRC40377649
Drakelow N.R.SK22F08/03/20251adultWilliams, Michaelvc57_irecords_extractiBRC40466638
DWT Wyver LaneSK34P05/03/20251adultEvans, Davevc57_irecords_extractiBRC40349185
Drakelow, Derbys.SK22F30/03/20241adultWilliams, Michaelvc57_irecords_extractiBRC39955051
Wyver Lane Nature ReserveSK34P19/03/20241adultEvans, Davevc57_irecords_extractiBRC35153354
Peter Filder NR, BolsoverSK47Q18/03/20241adultAlder, Jimvc57_irecords_extractiBRC35151197
Drakelow, Derbys.SK22F18/03/20241adultWilliams, Michaelvc57_irecords_extractiBRC39955050
Drakelow, Derbys.SK22F17/03/20241adultWilliams, Michaelvc57_irecords_extractiBRC39955049
Drakelow, Derbys.SK22F05/03/20241adultWilliams, Michaelvc57_irecords_extractiBRC39955048
Hilton Gravel Pits NR - SSK23K03/06/20233AdultLawrence, Kelvinvc57_irecords_extractiBRC31138274
Bolehill Quarry, near Grindleford, DerbyshireSK27P21/03/20231adultMiles, Clairevc57_irecords_extractiBRC29695399
White Edge Moor NTSK27P22/03/20221AdultDerek Whiteleyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC28814047
ForemarkSK32G25/03/20211adultWilliams, Michaelvc57_irecords_extractiBRC38493876
Walton Dam, Somersall Park, ChesterfieldSK37Q26/03/20201adultGILBERT, Mr B.Danes_2019-2021837
Bretton CloughSK27E06/04/20191AdultDerek Whiteleyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC11875758
Repton Shrubs, Repton (site not precise)SK32B06/04/20191AdultH.C. Haywardvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WP0E9
Holmewood, DerbyshireSK46I29/03/20191adultPlant, Stephenvc57_irecords_extractiBRC9711444
Shining Cliff WoodSK35G27/02/20191adultGill, Kerryvc57_irecords_extractiBRC9662375
Repton (site not precise)SK32B24/03/20181AdultH.C. Haywardvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WP7N9
Smeekley Wood, near Owler Bar, DerbyshireSK37D02/04/20161adultThorpe, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC33504489
Repton Shrubs, Repton (site not precise)SK32B15/04/20153AdultH.C. Haywardvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WQ8IN
Upper BoothSK18C07/04/20151AdultDerek Whiteleyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC3038644
Woodlands ValleySK18T06/04/20151AdultDerek Whiteleyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC3038645
Paddocks PlantationSK27F05/04/20151AdultDerek Whiteleyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC3038651
DerbyshireSK26T05/04/20151AdultDerek Whiteleyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC3038668
Sherriff WoodSK27J25/03/20151AdultDerek Whiteleyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC3038649
Drakelow NR,Burton on TrentSK22F22/03/20151AdultM.J. Williamsvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WOUSX
Longshaw National TrustSK27P10/03/20141AdultDerek Whiteleyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC3038652
Longshaw National TrustSK27P10/03/20141AdultDerek Whiteleyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC3038653
Longshaw National TrustSK28K10/03/20141AdultDerek Whiteleyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC3038654
Hay Wood National TrustSK27N09/03/20141AdultDerek Whiteleyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC3038666
Stanton MoorSK26L13/04/20131AdultDerek Whiteleyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC3038656
Stanton Moor NTSK26L13/04/20131AdultDerek Whiteleyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC3038663
Stanton Moor (Nine Ladies), Stanton in PeakSK26L13/04/20131AdultD. Whiteleyvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJWAU
Stanton Moor, Stanton in PeakSK26L13/04/20131AdultD. Whiteleyvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJWAV
Hilton NR, Hilton, Burton on TrentSK23K03/04/20131AdultM.R. Hoptonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OKG20
Drakelow NR,Burton on TrentSK22F17/03/20121AdultM.J. Williamsvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJU1G
Longshaw National TrustSK27P11/03/20121AdultDerek Whiteleyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC3038659
Drakelow NR,Burton on TrentSK22F11/03/20121AdultM.J. Williamsvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJU0O
Bole Hill Quarry, Nether PadleySK27P11/03/20122AdultD. Whiteleyvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJU0P
Jack Flat Woods,BaslowSK27R12/04/20111AdultD. Whiteleyvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OKYYM
Froggatt Edge,FroggattSK27N08/04/20111AdultD.A. Clarkevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OKYW3
Hathersage Moor Yorks.SK28K07/04/20111AdultDerek Whiteleyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC3038662
Hathersage Moor,HathersageSK28K07/04/20111AdultD. Whiteleyvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OKYVL
Froggatt EdgeSK27N06/04/20111AdultDerek Whiteleyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC3038665
Froggatt Edge,FroggattSK27N06/04/20111AdultD. Whiteleyvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJR4T
Drakelow NR,Burton on TrentSK22F03/04/20111AdultM.J. Williamsvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OK5KL
Curbar Edge & WoodSK27M02/04/20111AdultDerek Whiteleyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC3038664
Jack Flat WoodsSK27R02/04/20111AdultDerek Whiteleyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC3038667
Yorkshire Bridge Common (the roughs), BamfordSK28C02/04/20111AdultR. Fostervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJR4L
Curbur Edge,CurburSK27M02/04/20112AdultD. Whiteleyvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OKYT2
Clod Hall MoorSK27W31/03/20111AdultDerek Whiteleyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC3038672
Leash FenSK27W31/03/20111AdultDerek Whiteleyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC3038673
Froggatt Edge,FroggattSK27N31/03/20111AdultD.A. Clarkevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OK5JS
Leash Fen,BaslowSK27W31/03/20111AdultD. Whiteleyvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OK5K8
Clod Hall Moor,BaslowSK27W31/03/20111AdultD. Whiteleyvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OKYRZ
Birchen EdgeSK27W25/03/20111AdultDerek Whiteleyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC3038671
Drakelow NR,Burton on TrentSK22F25/03/20112AdultM.J. Williamsvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJR23
Clod Hall Moor (Birchen Edge),BaslowSK27W25/03/20113AdultD. Whiteleyvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJR2P
Goyt Valley,Fernilee Resr,nr BuxtonSK07D24/03/20111AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OK5I4
Stanton Moor,BirchoverSK26L23/03/20111AdultS. Bellvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OKYMO
Holbrook Heath and PondsSK48K22/03/20111AdultDerek Whiteleyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC3038676
Ladybower Resr (viaduct shore)SK18Y22/03/20111AdultR. Fostervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OKYLI
Holbrook Heath and Ponds,Holbrook,KillamarshSK48K22/03/20111AdultD. Whiteleyvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OKYMI
Bretton CloughSK27E21/03/20111AdultDerek Whiteleyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC3038646
Drakelow NR,Burton on TrentSK22F21/03/20113AdultM.J. Williamsvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OK5GJ
Froggatt Edge,FroggattSK27N21/03/20116AdultD.A. Clarkevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OK5GK
Bretton Clough,Bretton,Great HucklowSK27E21/03/20112AdultD. Whiteleyvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OKYLG
Drakelow NR (main hide), Burton on TrentSK22F19/03/20111AdultM.J. Williamsvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OKYK8
Longshaw National TrustSK27P13/03/20111AdultDerek Whiteleyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC3038655
Bolehill QuarrySK27P13/03/20111AdultDerek Whiteleyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC3038660
Longshaw,Nether PadleySK27P13/03/20111AdultD. Whiteleyvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OKYJ2
Bolehill Quarry,Nether PadleySK27P13/03/20113AdultD. Whiteleyvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OKYJ3
Big MoorSK27S22/04/20101AdultDerek Whiteleyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC3038669
Big Moor,FroggattSK27S22/04/20101AdultD. Whiteleyvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OKR9P
Robin Hood ValleySK27R21/04/20101AdultDerek Whiteleyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC3038670
Robin Hood Valley, BaslowSK27R21/04/20101AdultD. Whiteleyvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJNR1
nr Snelston Hall,Snelston,AshbourneSK14R08/04/20101AdultDave Budworth;K. Patrick;N. Brownvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OK388
Drakelow NR (car park),Burton on TrentSK22F21/03/20103AdultM.J. Williamsvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WPHPL
Nine Ladies, Stanton Moor, BirchoverSK26L06/04/20075AdultRoddis, Simonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJGZL
Brierley Hill,UnstoneSK37S06/04/20073AdultD.A. Clarkevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJH01
Brierley Hill,UnstoneSK37S05/04/20074AdultD.A. Clarkevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHUX6
Darley Moor, Darley DaleSK36C25/03/20071AdultRoddis, Simonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJGXD
Carvers Rocks NR,Hartshorne,SwadlincoteSK32G12/04/20031AdultTopliss, Neilvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJ32H
Carvers Rocks NR,Hartshorne,SwadlincoteSK32G12/04/20031AdultTopliss, Neilvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WQ5ZO
Nine Ladies,Stanton MoorSK26L29/03/200312AdultRoddis, Simonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OI49S
Carvers Rocks NR,Hartshorne,SwadlincoteSK32G15/03/20031AdultTopliss, Neilvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHOS0
Carvers Rocks NR,Hartshorne,SwadlincoteSK32G15/03/20031AdultTopliss, Neilvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WQ5Y6
Nether Padley (site not precise)SK27N10/04/20021AdultJ. Culpinvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WPF14
Bar Brook Mill Pond, BaslowSK27R01/03/20008AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJ1PT
Stoke FordSK27E08/04/19951AdultDerek Whiteleyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC3038648
Stoke Ford, Bretton, Great HucklowSK27E08/04/19951AdultD.E. Whiteleyvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WPXFF
Abney CloughSK27E24/04/19841AdultDerek Whiteleyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC3038647
Abney Clough, Abney, Great HucklowSK27E24/04/19841AdultD. Whiteleyvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIDX0
Repton Shrubs, ReptonSK32B08/04/19812AdultD.A. Youngvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OINGO
Carvers Rocks NR, Hartshorne, Swadlincote (site not precise)SK32G12/04/19806AdultD.A. Youngvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHXLU
Carvers Rocks NR,Hartshorne,SwadlincoteSK32G14/04/19796AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OILKT
Repton Shrubs,Repton,SwadlincoteSK32B13/04/19794AdultD.A. Youngvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OILKQ
Carvers Rocks NR,Hartshorne,SwadlincoteSK32G13/04/19792AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OILKR
Carvers Rocks NR,Hartshorne,SwadlincoteSK32G12/04/19791AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OILKP
Crich Chase, Ambergate (site not precise)SK35L15/04/19783AdultB.L. Stathamvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WP0R0
Clough Wood,Darley Dale (site not precise)SK26K25/03/197719AdultB.L. Stathamvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHWYP
Clough Wood, Darley Dale (site not precise)SK26K25/03/197719AdultB.L. Stathamvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WPWQM
Hell Bank Plantation, Beeley MoorSK26Y11/04/19711AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIDQ5
Hell Bank Plantation, Beeley MoorSK26Y27/03/19711AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIDQ0
Hell Bank Plantation, Beeley MoorSK26Y19/04/19701AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHW6T
Hell Bank Plantation, Beeley MoorSK26Y18/04/19701AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHW6S
Drum Hill, Little EatonSK34R14/03/19612AdultR. Applebyvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WP7RE
Shirley, BrailsfordSK24A25/03/19591AdultD.C. Hulme;R. Applebyvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WOQRK
Chatsworth Park (SE area) (site not precise)SK26U13/04/19586AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIDKE
Chatsworth ParkSK26U13/04/19581AdultB. Elliottvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WOQQG
Chatsworth Park (SE area) (site not precise)SK26U14/04/19571AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHVAT
Chatsworth Park (SE area) (site not precise)SK26U25/03/19571AdultA. Hepworthvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WPQAS
Froggatt (site not precise)SK27N10/04/19561AdultA.M. Emmetvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WPQ9I
Chatsworth Park (SE area) (site not precise)SK26U08/04/19561AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIDFC
Morleymoor, Morley, nr Derby (site not precise)SK34W26/03/19551AdultJ.W.O. Holmesvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WOSM9
Repton Shrubs, Repton (site not precise)SK32B17/03/19461AdultRepton School Field Clubvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WPZCN
Carver's Rocks, Hartshorne (site not precise)SK32G17/03/19461AdultRepton School Field Clubvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WPZCO
Repton Shrubs, Repton (site not precise)SK32B17/03/19451AdultRepton School Field Clubvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WPZCE
Carver's Rocks, Hartshorne (site not precise)SK32G17/03/19451AdultRepton School Field Clubvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WPZCF
Morleymoor, Morley, nr Derby (site not precise)SK34W04/04/19431AdultJ.W.O. Holmesvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WPZCA
Repton Shrubs, Repton (site not precise)SK32B03/04/19411AdultRepton School Field Clubvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WPZC6
Morleymoor, Morley, nr Derby (site not precise)SK34W01/03/19411AdultJ.W.O. Holmesvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WPZC5
Bretby Park,Swadlincote (site not precise)SK22W06/04/19401AdultC. Clarkevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WPZC3
Repton Shrubs, Repton (site not precise)SK32B01/03/19331AdultF.R. Larkinvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WOQM8
Repton Shrubs, Repton (site not precise)SK32B06/04/19311AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHEVV
Repton Shrubs, Repton (site not precise)SK32B06/04/19311AdultH.C. Haywardvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WPZBS
Breadsall, Derby (site not precise)SK33U22/03/19311AdultH.C. Haywardvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WPZBR
Whitwell, Worksop (site not precise)SK57J01/04/19251AdultS. Hookevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJHKK
Repton Shrubs, Repton (site not precise)SK32B21/03/19201AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OID9D
Repton (site not precise)SK32B18/03/19201AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OID9C
Repton Shrubs, Repton (site not precise)SK32B06/04/19191AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OID95
Repton (site not precise)SK32B24/03/19181AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OID86
Repton Shrubs, Repton (site not precise)SK32B15/04/19153AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OID74
Robin Hood's Stride, Elton, WinsterSK26G01/01/18851AdultR.H. Fullervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WP37J
Repton Shrubs, Repton (site not precise)SK32B01/01/18821AdultT. Gibbsvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WPQ2Q
Melbourne (site not precise)SK32X01/01/18821AdultHarpur Crewe;U. Unknownvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WPQ2R

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