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© 



Temporal Distribution Chart
Adults: (between 1952 - 2025)
(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 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

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 – 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 Name Tetrad Date Count Stage Recorder Source RecordKey
Glossop, Hague Street, Hay Meadow SK09G 21/05/2025 1 adult Heintzen, Christian vc57_irecords_extract iBRC43979268
Glossop, Hague Street, Hay Meadow SK09G 12/05/2025 1 adult Heintzen, Christian vc57_irecords_extract iBRC43979083
Cote Heath Allotments, Buxton SK07R 10/05/2025 1 adult Steven Bell vc57_irecords_extract iBRC41496548
Lowcroft, Buxton SK, UK SK07S 04/05/2025 1 Adult MarkCocker vc57_irecords_extract iBRC41523767
Glossop, Moorfield, Wood's Cabin SK09L 02/05/2025 83 adult Heintzen, Christian vc57_irecords_extract iBRC43979003
Birch Vale SK08I 30/04/2025 2 adult Hewitt, Jane vc57_irecords_extract iBRC47544294
Ladycroft Ave, Buxton SK07S 28/04/2025 2 adult Orridge, Steve vc57_irecords_extract iBRC41605044
Birch Vale SK08I 27/04/2025 1 adult Hewitt, Jane vc57_irecords_extract iBRC47544277
Glossop, Moorfield, Wood's Cabin SK09L 08/05/2024 1 adult Heintzen, Christian vc57_irecords_extract iBRC36371602
Glossop, Moorfield, Wood's Cabin SK09L 22/05/2023 6 adult Heintzen, Christian vc57_irecords_extract iBRC36335989
Glossop, Moorfield, Wood's Cabin SK09L 18/05/2023 12 adult Heintzen, Christian vc57_irecords_extract iBRC36335974
Glossop, Shawmoor Plantation SK09F 13/05/2023 1 adult Heintzen, Christian vc57_irecords_extract iBRC36335928
Buxton SK, UK SK07S 17/06/2021 1 Adult Orridge, Steve vc57_irecords_extract iBRC22785795
Hathersage, Derbyshire, UK SK28F 09/06/2021 1 adult Miles, Claire vc57_irecords_extract iBRC29584335
Buxton SK, UK SK07S 03/06/2021 1 Adult Orridge, Steve vc57_irecords_extract iBRC22734754
The Mays, Malthouse Lane, Froggatt SK27N 28/05/2020 1 adult BARNACLE, Mr B.&.Mrs.K. Danes_2019-2021 732
White Knowle Road, Buxton SK07R 26/05/2020 1 adult Mortin, Jon vc57_irecords_extract iBRC13957596
White Knowle Road, Buxton SK07R 26/05/2020 1 Adult Mortin, Jon vc57_irecords_extract iBRC22330572
The Mays, Malthouse Lane, Froggatt SK27N 25/05/2020 1 adult BARNACLE, Mr B.&.Mrs.K. Danes_2019-2021 747
Ladycroft Ave, Buxton SK07S 21/05/2020 3 adult Orridge, Steve vc57_irecords_extract iBRC35094887
Ladycroft Ave, Buxton SK07S 20/05/2020 1 adult Orridge, Steve vc57_irecords_extract iBRC35094853
The Mays, Malthouse Lane, Froggatt SK27N 19/05/2020 3 adult BARNACLE, Mr B.&.Mrs.K. Danes_2019-2021 778
Ladycroft Ave, Buxton SK07S 18/05/2020 2 adult Orridge, Steve vc57_irecords_extract iBRC35094811
The Mays, Malthouse Lane, Froggatt SK27N 18/05/2020 1 adult BARNACLE, Mr B.&.Mrs.K. Danes_2019-2021 785
Ladycroft Ave, Buxton SK07S 16/05/2020 1 adult Orridge, Steve vc57_irecords_extract iBRC35094773
The Mays, Malthouse Lane, Froggatt SK27N 01/06/2019 1 adult BARNACLE, Mr B.&.Mrs.K. Danes_2019-2021 1607
Hathersage, Derbyshire, UK SK28F 01/06/2019 1 adult Miles, Claire vc57_irecords_extract iBRC12641320
Buxton (Cote Heath Allotments) SK07R 23/05/2019 1 adult BELL, Mr S. Danes_2019-2021 1641
Birch Vale SK08I 21/05/2019 2 adult Hewitt, Jane vc57_irecords_extract iBRC35073319
Birch Vale SK08I 19/05/2019 1 adult Hewitt, Jane vc57_irecords_extract iBRC35073249
Barbrook Resvr, Baslow SK27T 15/05/2019 12 Adult B.J.N. Hill vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WP0FK
Barbrook Resvr, Baslow SK27T 01/05/2019 19 Adult B.J.N. Hill vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WP0F7
Barbrook Resvr, Baslow SK27T 23/04/2019 27 Adult B.J.N. Hill vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WP53I
Hathersage, Derbyshire, UK SK28F 22/04/2019 1 adult Miles, Claire vc57_irecords_extract iBRC12725234
Birch Vale SK08I 30/05/2018 1 adult Hewitt, Jane vc57_irecords_extract iBRC40107247
Ashop Clough SK19A 23/06/2016 1 adult Hewitt, Jane vc57_irecords_extract iBRC41008261
Ladycroft Ave SK07S 20/05/2014 1 adult Orridge, Steve vc57_irecords_extract iBRC41012670
Ladycroft Ave SK07S 18/05/2014 2 adult Orridge, Steve vc57_irecords_extract iBRC41012656
Birch Vale SK08I 17/05/2014 1 adult Hewitt, Jane vc57_irecords_extract iBRC41009977
Birch Barn, New Mills Rd, Birch Vale SK08I 17/05/2014 1 Adult VC57 Derbyshire Recorder vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OLG1M
Ladycroft Ave SK07S 07/07/2013 1 adult Orridge, Steve vc57_irecords_extract iBRC40990834
Ladycroft Ave SK07S 25/06/2013 1 adult Orridge, Steve vc57_irecords_extract iBRC40990708
Welbeck Drive, Wingerworth SK36T 21/06/2013 1 Adult B.J.N. Hill vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WOU5X
Welbeck Drive, Wingerworth SK36T 20/06/2013 1 Adult B.J.N. Hill vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WOWMD
Macclesfield Rd, Whaley Bridge SK08A 18/06/2013 1 Adult A. Seymour;D. Arnold vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WOWKL
The Mays,Malthouse Lane,Froggatt SK27N 09/06/2013 2 Adult Barnacle, Brian vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OJWF5
The Mays,Malthouse Lane,Froggatt SK27N 09/06/2013 2 Adult B. Barnacle;K. Barnacle vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WQBU5
Ladycroft Ave,Buxton SK07S 01/06/2012 1 Adult Orridge, Steve vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OJUAT
Ladycroft Ave, Buxton SK07S 01/06/2012 1 Adult Orridge, Steve vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WOYD7
Ladycroft Ave,Buxton SK07S 30/05/2012 4 Adult Orridge, Steve vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OL5X4
Ladycroft Ave, Buxton SK07S 30/05/2012 4 Adult Orridge, Steve vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WOTRW
Ladycroft Ave,Buxton SK07S 27/05/2012 2 Adult Orridge, Steve vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OKFYF
Ladycroft Ave, Buxton SK07S 27/05/2012 2 Adult Orridge, Steve vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WQBGB
Ladycroft Ave,Buxton SK07S 26/05/2012 3 Adult Orridge, Steve vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OK8MN
Ladycroft Ave, Buxton SK07S 26/05/2012 3 Adult Orridge, Steve vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WPNJL
Derbyshire, UK SK07M 24/05/2012 1 Adult Orridge, Steve vc57_irecords_extract iBRC22503718
Ladycroft Ave,Buxton SK07S 22/05/2012 4 Adult Orridge, Steve vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OJU6J
Ladycroft Ave, Buxton SK07S 22/05/2012 4 Adult Orridge, Steve vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WPNIL
Beeley Triangle,Beeley Moor SK26Y 01/06/2011 1 Adult A. Butler vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OKZZW
Beeley Triangle, Beeley Moor, Beeley SK26Y 01/06/2011 1 Adult A. Butler vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WPD46
Oaks Barn Cottage, Monyash Rd, Over Haddon, Bakewell SK26D 22/05/2011 2 Adult D.A. Clarke vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OJRIL
Ladycroft Ave,Buxton SK07S 10/05/2011 1 Adult Orridge, Steve vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OK5TK
Ladycroft Ave, Buxton SK07S 10/05/2011 1 Adult Orridge, Steve vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WQASS
Ladycroft Ave,Buxton SK07S 08/05/2011 3 Adult Orridge, Steve vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OKZGO
Ladycroft Ave, Buxton SK07S 08/05/2011 3 Adult Orridge, Steve vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WPBKK
Ladycroft Ave,Buxton SK07S 06/05/2011 3 Adult Orridge, Steve vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OK5S3
Ladycroft Ave, Buxton SK07S 06/05/2011 3 Adult Orridge, Steve vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WQ2PS
Oaks Barn Cottage, Monyash Rd, Over Haddon, Bakewell SK26D 24/04/2011 2 Adult D.A. Clarke vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OKZ8Z
Ault Hucknall,Glapwell SK46S 23/04/2011 1 Adult M.E. Bradley vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OKZ86
Ladycroft Ave,Buxton SK07S 30/06/2010 1 Adult Orridge, Steve vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OJOVR
Ladycroft Ave, Buxton SK07S 30/06/2010 1 Adult Orridge, Steve vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WPL9V
Ladycroft Ave,Buxton SK07S 05/06/2010 2 Adult Orridge, Steve vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OKS8B
Ladycroft Ave, Buxton SK07S 05/06/2010 2 Adult Orridge, Steve vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WQAMJ
Millstone Edge,Hathersage SK28K 04/06/2010 1 Adult H.E. Beaumont;R.F. Botterill vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OKD5D
The Mays,Malthouse Lane,Froggatt SK27N 31/05/2010 1 Adult Barnacle, Brian vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OKD3S
The Mays,Malthouse Lane,Froggatt SK27N 31/05/2010 1 Adult B. Barnacle;K. Barnacle vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WPHS3
Rose Av,Clowne SK57D 24/05/2010 2 Adult D. Hursthouse vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OJNZE
Buxton SK, UK SK07S 20/05/2010 1 Adult Orridge, Steve vc57_irecords_extract iBRC22503657
The Mays,Malthouse Lane,Froggatt SK27N 10/06/2009 1 Adult Barnacle, Brian vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OKN8I
The Mays,Malthouse Lane,Froggatt SK27N 10/06/2009 1 Adult B. Barnacle;K. Barnacle vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WPRSP
The Hollies,Station Rd,Darley Dale SK26R 29/05/2009 1 Adult Roddis, Simon vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OKMWP
Littlewood,Barber Booth,Edale SK18C 12/06/2007 1 Adult Dave Budworth;J.A. Bower vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OKEXH
Littlewood,Barber Booth,Edale SK18C 04/06/2007 1 Adult Dave Budworth;J.A. Bower vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OJIBP
Cross Green Cottages,Flint Lane,South Darley SK26Q 23/06/2006 1 Adult R. Hawksworth vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OHT02
The Hollies,Station Rd,Darley Dale SK26R 09/06/2006 1 Adult Roddis, Simon vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OI7BU
Beeley Moor Triangle SK26Y 03/06/2006 11 adult Finch, Graham Leonard vc57_irecords_extract iBRC35105383
Beeley Moor, Beeley SK26Z 03/06/2006 11 Adult B.L. Statham;G.L. Finch;M.A. Finch vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OI792
Flash Lane,Beeley Moor SK26X 27/05/2005 2 Adult B.L. Statham vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OI5ZK
Buxton SK, UK SK07S 25/05/2004 1 Adult Orridge, Steve vc57_irecords_extract iBRC22503404
Blacka Moor, Dore, Sheffield SK28V 12/06/2001 2 Adult VC57 Derbyshire Recorder vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OHOFB
Blacka Moor, Dore, Sheffield SK28V 12/06/2001 2 Adult I. Crackles;P. Housley vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WPEX8
Beeley Moor, Beeley (site not precies) SK26Z 23/05/1992 1 Adult A. Jenkins vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OIVWF
Cross Green Cottages,Flint Lane,South Darley SK26Q 20/05/1992 1 Adult R. Hawksworth vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OIVV3
Beeley Moor, Beeley (site not precies) SK26Z 26/05/1991 21 Adult VC57 Derbyshire Recorder vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OHL4X
Beeley Moor (site not precise) SK26Z 26/05/1991 21 Adult A. Braddock;T. Duro vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WQ57Y
Hell Bank Plantation, Beeley Moor SK26Z 19/05/1991 1 Adult VC57 Derbyshire Recorder vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OIV3X
Hell Bank Plantation, Beeley Moor SK26Z 19/05/1991 1 Adult A. Braddock;B.L. Statham;T. Duro vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WONCR
Beeley Moor, Beeley (site not precies) SK26Z 12/05/1991 1 Adult A. Braddock vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OIV3F
Beeley Moor (site not precise) SK26Z 12/05/1991 1 Adult A. Braddock vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WONCB
Beeley Moor (triangle), Beeley SK26Y 27/05/1990 1 Adult VC57 Derbyshire Recorder vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OIU9K
Beeley Moor (triangle), Beeley SK26Y 27/05/1990 1 Adult A Jenkins;B.L. Statham vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WON9A
Parkway, New Mills SK08D 10/05/1990 1 Adult J. Potts vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OIU7W
Hell Bank Plantation, Beeley Moor (site not precise) SK26Z 28/05/1988 1 Adult A. Jenkins vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OIE68
Chisworth SJ99V 01/01/1987 1 adult Hind, Steve vc57_irecords_extract iBRC36424667
Beeley Lodge, Chatsworth SK26U 22/05/1982 1 Adult VC57 Derbyshire Recorder vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OJHU2
Beeley Lodge, Chatsworth Park SK26U 22/05/1982 1 Adult A.C. Warne vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WQ159
Upper Booth, Edale SK08X 13/06/1980 1 Adult VC57 Derbyshire Recorder vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OHXPX
Upper Booth, Edale SK08X 20/05/1980 1 Adult VC57 Derbyshire Recorder vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OIM7T
Welbeck Rd, Bolsover SK47Q 12/06/1969 1 Adult M.E. Bradley vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OHW3V
Berry St, Hepthorne Lane, North Wingfield SK46C 05/06/1968 1 Adult J.H. Johnson vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WOTD3
The Old Manse, Ault Hucknall, Glapwell SK46S 30/05/1968 1 Adult J.H. Johnson vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WPAAE
Beeley Moor, Beeley (site not precies) SK26Z 08/06/1966 1 Adult VC57 Derbyshire Recorder vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OHEIS
Beeley Moor, Beeley (site not precise) SK26Z 08/06/1966 1 Adult B. Elliott vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WP57V
Beeley Moor, Beeley (site not precies) SK26Z 27/05/1965 1 Adult VC57 Derbyshire Recorder vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OIH9L
Beeley Moor, Beeley (site not precise) SK26Z 27/05/1965 1 Adult B. Elliott vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WP9NQ
Gladwin's Mark, Beeley Moor SK36D 26/05/1964 1 Adult VC57 Derbyshire Recorder vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OIH6F
Slagmill Plantation,Beeley Moor SK36E 04/06/1963 1 Adult VC57 Derbyshire Recorder vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OHEE1
Wragg's Quarry,Rowsley Moor SK26Y 04/06/1960 1 Adult VC57 Derbyshire Recorder vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OIGON
Wragg's Quarry, Beeley Moor, Beeley SK26Y 04/06/1960 1 Adult A. Hepworth;B. Elliott vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WP7PM
Moorend, Beeley, Matlock SK26T 26/05/1960 7 Adult VC57 Derbyshire Recorder vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OI9KZ
Moorend, Beeley SK26T 26/05/1960 7 Adult B.S. Fletcher vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WPITB
Moorend, Beeley, Matlock SK26T 25/05/1960 1 Adult VC57 Derbyshire Recorder vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OHE7D
Moorend, Beeley SK26T 25/05/1960 1 Adult B.S. Fletcher vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WP7OP
Wragg's Quarry,Rowsley Moor SK26Y 14/05/1960 1 Adult VC57 Derbyshire Recorder vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OIGJN
Wragg's Quarry, Beeley Moor, Beeley SK26Y 14/05/1960 1 Adult A. Hepworth;B. Elliott vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WPISH
Beeley Moor, Beeley (site not precies) SK26Z 17/05/1959 1 Adult VC57 Derbyshire Recorder vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OHDW9
Beeley Moor, Beeley (site not precise) SK26Z 17/05/1959 1 Adult B.S. Fletcher vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WOQSS
Longside Rd, Beeley Moor (site not precise) SK36E 24/05/1953 1 Adult VC57 Derbyshire Recorder vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OJHO7
Longside Rd, Beeley Moor (site not precise) SK36E 24/05/1953 1 Adult J.H. Johnson vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WOQMP
Beeley Moor, Beeley (site not precise) SK26Z 25/05/1952 1 Adult J.H. Johnson vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WPZD1
Longside Rd, Beeley Moor (site not precise) SK36E 25/05/1952 5 Adult VC57 Derbyshire Recorder vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001OHDIW
Longside Rd, Beeley Moor (site not precise) SK36E 25/05/1952 5 Adult J.H. Johnson vc57_danes_bc_data LC000334001WPZD2

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