Northern Winter Moth - 2nd Dec 2022 - Kings Newton - Will Soar
70.105 BF1800  – Northern Winter Moth  – Operophtera fagata  – (Scharfenberg, 1805)
Adult Macro:  CAT 2 – Can be confused with other species – Good photographs may be required – Can be confused with other species      
PDF Icon – click for Adult Macro Verification Guidelines

Blue –  Generally Common / Widespread   
Taxonomy:   Macro  >>.  >>  Geometridae  >> Larentiinae
ID Difficulty:  amber  – care required in the identification process, as confusion with similar species is likely – quality photographs required.
Confusion Species:  Winter Moth
ID pointers: Similar to Winter Moth but generally larger and paler with a silky appearance. Pale brownish with a darker central cross-band. Wings appear quite rounded and slightly tapered.
Distribution:  A resident that is locally common in Derbyshire. Found in all areas of the county, with largest populations in birch woodland.
General Comment: None
Flight Period: October /  November –  On the wing between October  – Late November. Moth Activity: Nocturnal  Photographed: Yes –  Photographed By: Will Soar  © All Rights Reserved
*** Last updated on 26 January 2026 by TD ***
Wingspan: 32-40mm
Forewing: 14-18mm
Food Plant: Apple, Birch and Alder.
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:  Kings Newton, Derbyshire – Will Soar © / Glossop 7/11/2025 a rare image of a female / adult Long Clough (Oct 2025) Christian Heintzen© / Comparisons of Winter Moth v Northern Winter Moth – Christian Heintzen©

 
 


Temporal Distribution Chart
Adults: (between 1970 - 2025)  |  Immatures: (between 1967 - 2020)
(click legend below to show/hide datasets)
This chart summarises all available historical occurrence records collated by ISO week of the year. It reflects recorder effort and sampling distribution as well as true biological activity, and should be interpreted as an indicative pattern of seasonal occurrence rather than a statistically controlled abundance or phenology model.

Distribution Map for Operophtera fagata

Found 99 records
    ↳ from 2026+
    ↳ 45 from 2020 - 2025
    ↳ 54 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 – Operophtera fagata

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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.

Visit NBN Site


Monthly Records By Year: Operophtera fagata
( data includes both Larvae and Adult Stages )

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

First/Last Recorded Dates: Operophtera fagata
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: Operophtera fagata
( All data includes both Larvae and Adult Stages )
Annual Growth Rate (AGR): Operophtera fagata
AGR: 11.2%   |   Total % Change: 1177.8%

Hectad (10kmx10km) Coverage: Operophtera fagata
( data includes both Larvae and Adult Stages )

Flight Periods – Indicative –vs– Recorded Data
Operophtera fagata

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 - Operophtera fagata – 99 records available

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

Site Name Tetrad Date Count Stage Recorder Source RecordKey
Longdendale, Wildboar Clough Woodland SK09U 05/11/2025 100 Adult Heintzen, Christian vc57_irecords_extract iBRC48826287
upper cromford garden SK25Y 30/10/2025 1 adult Ashton, Clive vc57_irecords_extract iBRC46182935
Derbyshire Wild Life Trust Long Clough SK09G 28/10/2025 10 adult Heintzen, Christian vc57_irecords_extract iBRC48823688
Longdendale, Wildboar Clough Woodland SK09U 20/10/2025 2 adult Heintzen, Christian vc57_irecords_extract iBRC48823678
Glossop, Gnat Hole Rough Fields SK09L 17/10/2025 1 adult Heintzen, Christian vc57_irecords_extract iBRC48823665
Derbyshire Wild Life Trust Long Clough SK09G 13/10/2025 1 adult Heintzen, Christian vc57_irecords_extract iBRC48823651
Derbyshire Wild Life Trust Long Clough SK09G 24/12/2024 2 adult Heintzen, Christian vc57_irecords_extract iBRC39768335
Derbyshire Wild Life Trust Long Clough SK09G 30/11/2024 1 adult Heintzen, Christian vc57_irecords_extract iBRC39768321
Derbyshire Wild Life Trust Long Clough SK09G 29/11/2024 5 adult Heintzen, Christian vc57_irecords_extract iBRC39768313
Derbyshire Wild Life Trust Long Clough SK09G 15/11/2024 2 adult Heintzen, Christian vc57_irecords_extract iBRC39768300
Derbyshire Wild Life Trust Long Clough SK09G 04/11/2024 2 adult Heintzen, Christian vc57_irecords_extract iBRC39768275
Longdendale, Wildboar Clough Woodland SK09U 01/11/2024 18 adult Heintzen, Christian vc57_irecords_extract iBRC39768229
Derbyshire Wild Life Trust Long Clough SK09G 31/10/2024 3 adult Heintzen, Christian vc57_irecords_extract iBRC39768214
Cote Heath Allotments, Buxton SK07R 24/10/2024 1 adult Steven Bell vc57_irecords_extract iBRC40549059
Glossop, Simmondly Oak Wood SK09B 15/12/2023 2 adult Heintzen, Christian vc57_irecords_extract iBRC36337762
Glossop, Shawmoor Plantation SK09F 11/12/2023 4 adult Heintzen, Christian vc57_irecords_extract iBRC36337757
Derbyshire Wild Life Trust Long Clough SK09G 23/11/2023 1 adult Heintzen, Christian vc57_irecords_extract iBRC36337739
Derbyshire Wild Life Trust Long Clough SK09G 22/11/2023 3 adult Heintzen, Christian vc57_irecords_extract iBRC36337730
Glossop, Shire Hill, south SK09M 20/11/2023 5 adult Heintzen, Christian vc57_irecords_extract iBRC36337725
Derbyshire Wild Life Trust Long Clough SK09G 18/11/2023 3 adult Heintzen, Christian vc57_irecords_extract iBRC36337716
Longdendale, Wildboar Clough SK09U 16/11/2023 7 adult Heintzen, Christian vc57_irecords_extract iBRC36337707
Derbyshire Wild Life Trust Long Clough SK09G 14/11/2023 2 adult Heintzen, Christian vc57_irecords_extract iBRC36337697
Lower Cromford Garden SK25Y 12/11/2023 1 adult Ashton, Clive vc57_irecords_extract iBRC34567686
Derbyshire Wild Life Trust Long Clough SK09G 08/11/2023 1 adult Heintzen, Christian vc57_irecords_extract iBRC36337684
Glossop, The Twitchlings SK09K 05/11/2023 7 adult Heintzen, Christian vc57_irecords_extract iBRC36337675
Derbyshire Wild Life Trust Long Clough SK09G 03/11/2023 8 adult Heintzen, Christian vc57_irecords_extract iBRC36337666
Glossop, Gnat Hole Rough Fields SK09L 01/11/2023 1 adult Heintzen, Christian vc57_irecords_extract iBRC36337657
Derbyshire Wild Life Trust Long Clough SK09G 03/01/2023 1 adult Heintzen, Christian vc57_irecords_extract iBRC36335638
Derbyshire Wild Life Trust Long Clough SK09G 22/12/2022 2 adult Heintzen, Christian vc57_irecords_extract iBRC36335628
Glossop, Hague Street, Hay meadow SK09G 21/12/2022 1 adult Heintzen, Christian vc57_irecords_extract iBRC36335620
Glossop, The Twitchlings SK09K 19/12/2022 2 adult Heintzen, Christian vc57_irecords_extract iBRC36335614
Longdendale, Wildboar Clough SK09U 03/12/2022 2 adult Heintzen, Christian vc57_irecords_extract iBRC36335606
Derbyshire Wild Life Trust Long Clough SK09G 30/11/2022 3 adult Heintzen, Christian vc57_irecords_extract iBRC36335596
Derbyshire Wild Life Trust Long Clough SK09G 26/11/2022 2 adult Heintzen, Christian vc57_irecords_extract iBRC36335584
Hathersage, Derbyshire, UK SK28F 25/11/2022 1 adult Miles, Claire vc57_irecords_extract iBRC28802734
Derbyshire Wild Life Trust Long Clough SK09G 22/11/2022 1 adult Heintzen, Christian vc57_irecords_extract iBRC36335571
Glossop, Shawmoor Plantation SK09F 14/11/2022 1 adult Heintzen, Christian vc57_irecords_extract iBRC36335563
Derbyshire Wild Life Trust Long Clough SK09G 13/11/2022 7 adult Heintzen, Christian vc57_irecords_extract iBRC36335557
Derbyshire Wild Life Trust Long Clough SK09G 07/11/2022 1 adult Heintzen, Christian vc57_irecords_extract iBRC36335543
Glossop, The Twitchlings SK09K 05/11/2022 5 adult Heintzen, Christian vc57_irecords_extract iBRC36335534
Derbyshire Wild Life Trust Long Clough SK09G 31/10/2022 2 adult Heintzen, Christian vc57_irecords_extract iBRC36335516
The Mays, Malthouse Lane, Froggatt SK27N 11/11/2020 1 adult BARNACLE, Mr B.&.Mrs.K. Danes_2019-2021 248
Longshaw National Trust SK27N 10/11/2020 1 Adult Whiteley, Derek vc57_irecords_extract iBRC18488560
Hathersage, Derbyshire, UK SK28F 09/11/2020 1 adult Blues, Clare vc57_irecords_extract iBRC27394289
Blacka Moor and Plantation SK28V 15/05/2020 1 Larva Watchorn, Andrew vc57_irecords_extract iBRC13655314
Back Lane, Glapwell SK46T 23/11/2016 1 Adult J. Culpin vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WP7L9
School Close,Parkway Gardens,Darley Dale SK26R 11/11/2013 1 Adult A. Butler vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OLE2M
School Close,Parkway Gardens,Darley Dale SK26R 11/11/2013 1 Adult A. Butler vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WOUJF
School Close,Parkway Gardens,Darley Dale SK26R 14/11/2012 1 Adult A. Butler vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OLAHS
School Close,Parkway Gardens,Darley Dale SK26R 14/11/2012 1 Adult A. Butler vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WQHVR
Shipley Park Visitor Centre,Shipley,Ilkeston SK44H 14/12/2010 2 Adult D.A. Clarke vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OKYFF
Oaks Barn Cottage, Monyash Rd, Over Haddon, Bakewell SK26D 13/12/2010 1 Adult D.A. Clarke vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OKYFD
The Mays,Malthouse Lane,Froggatt SK27N 26/11/2009 1 Adult Barnacle, Brian vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OK367
The Mays,Malthouse Lane,Froggatt SK27N 26/11/2009 1 Adult B. Barnacle;K. Barnacle vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WQ2EO
Shipley Park Visitor Centre,Shipley,Ilkeston SK44H 10/11/2009 1 Adult D.A. Clarke vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OKFNO
Brierley Wood,Unstone SK37S 26/11/2008 12 Adult D.A. Clarke vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OK0WV
Bubnell,Baslow SK27L 25/11/2007 20 Adult D.A. Clarke vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OKJ9U
Deep Dale NR,Buxton SK17B 17/05/2006 1 Larvae S.H. Hind vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OJBO6
Charlesworth St,Carr Vale,Bolsover SK46U 16/10/2005 2 Adult N. Jones vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OJB9G
Newton Rd, Winshill, Burton on Trent SK22S 04/12/2004 1 Adult Topliss, Neil vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OJ8AD
Newton Rd, Winshill, Burton on Trent SK22S 04/12/2004 1 Adult Topliss, Neil vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WPFFH
FOREMARK RESERVOIR SK32H 06/11/2004 3 adult Davison, Tony vc57_irecords_extract iBRC33442670
Foremark Resr, Ticknall SK32H 06/11/2004 3 Adult A. Davison;N. Topliss vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OJ8A0
The Mays,Malthouse Lane,Froggatt SK27N 31/10/2004 1 Adult Barnacle, Brian vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OI5WI
The Mays,Malthouse Lane,Froggatt SK27N 31/10/2004 1 Adult B. Barnacle;K. Barnacle vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WPFF3
FOREMARK RESERVOIR SK32G 03/12/2003 1 adult Davison, Tony vc57_irecords_extract iBRC33452840
FOREMARK RESERVOIR SK32G 03/12/2003 1 adult Davison, Tony vc57_irecords_extract iBRC33454864
Carvers Rocks, Hartshorne, Swadlincote SK32G 02/12/2003 1 Adult A. Davison;N. Topliss vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OIF5L
FOREMARK RESERVOIR SK32G 28/11/2003 1 adult Davison, Tony vc57_irecords_extract iBRC33454882
Carvers Rocks (old toilet block area), Hartshorne, Swadlincote SK32G 28/11/2003 1 Adult Dave Budworth;A. Davison;N. Topliss vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OHPMV
Foremark Resr, Ticknall SK32H 18/11/2003 18 Adult A. Davison;N. Topliss vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OHPMB
The Field,Shipley,Ilkeston SK44M 11/11/2003 1 Adult T. Duro vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OJ4TX
The Field,Shipley,Ilkeston SK44M 11/11/2003 1 Adult T. Duro vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WQ1R5
The Mays,Malthouse Lane,Froggatt SK27N 04/11/2003 1 Adult Barnacle, Brian vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OJ4T0
The Mays,Malthouse Lane,Froggatt SK27N 04/11/2003 1 Adult B. Barnacle;K. Barnacle vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WP6GB
Melbourne, Derbyshire SK32X 22/12/2002 1 adult Davison, Tony vc57_irecords_extract iBRC33398570
Main Street, Kings Newton SK32Y 22/12/2002 1 Adult Soar, Will vc57_irecords_extract iBRC34679395
Main St,Kings Newton,Melbourne SK32Y 22/12/2002 1 Adult Soar, Will vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OJ2YP
School Close,Parkway Gardens,Darley Dale SK26R 10/11/2001 1 Adult A. Butler vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OI436
School Close,Parkway Gardens,Darley Dale SK26R 04/11/2001 2 Adult A. Butler vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OI42I
School Close,Parkway Gardens,Darley Dale SK26R 03/11/2001 2 Adult A. Butler vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OI42C
School Close,Parkway Gardens,Darley Dale SK26R 01/11/2001 1 Adult A. Butler vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OJ2IL
Woodlands, Combs, Chapel en le Frith SK07P 22/09/1990 1 Adult S.G. Price vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OIV0U
Woodlands, Combs, Chapel en le Frith SK07P 08/10/1989 4 Adult S.G. Price vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OHKOQ
Shipley Wood, Shipley Park, Ilkeston SK44L 16/11/1981 6 Adult VC57 Derbyshire Recorder vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OIOD2
Shipley Wood, Shipley Park, Ilkeston SK44L 16/11/1981 6 Adult A. Braddock;M.J. Sterling;T. Duro vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WPJ6C
Carvers Rocks,Hartshorne SK32G 02/11/1981 21 Adult VC57 Derbyshire Recorder vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OIOCQ
Carvers Rocks NR, Hartshorne, Swadlincote (site not precise) SK32G 23/10/1981 1 Adult VC57 Derbyshire Recorder vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OHHPQ
Upper Booth, Edale SK08X 10/11/1980 1 Adult VC57 Derbyshire Recorder vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OIND9
Upper Booth, Edale SK08X 09/11/1980 1 Adult VC57 Derbyshire Recorder vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OIND7
Upper Booth, Edale SK08X 21/11/1979 1 Adult VC57 Derbyshire Recorder vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OIM1F
Upper Booth, Edale SK08X 03/11/1979 4 Adult VC57 Derbyshire Recorder vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OIM13
Clough Wood,Darley Dale SK26K 16/11/1976 1 Adult VC57 Derbyshire Recorder vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OHFVD
Smeekley Wood, Owler Bar (site not precise) SK27Y 28/11/1970 1 Adult VC57 Derbyshire Recorder vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OHW99
Engine Hollow, Barlow SK37M 10/11/1970 1 Adult VC57 Derbyshire Recorder vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OHW90
Broomridding Wood, Pilsley, Tibshelf (site not precise) SK46H 10/11/1970 4 Adult VC57 Derbyshire Recorder vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OHW92
Broomridding Wood, Pilsley, Tibshelf (site not precise) SK46H 04/11/1970 3 Adult VC57 Derbyshire Recorder vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OIHWX
Broomridding Wood, Pilsley, Tibshelf (site not precise) SK46H 02/11/1970 1 Adult VC57 Derbyshire Recorder vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OIHWV
Lathkill Dale (site not precise) SK16S 27/05/1967 1 Larvae F. Harrison vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OHEJO

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