The Magpie       Clouded Border
70.206 BF1885 - Clouded Magpie - Geometridae - Abraxas sylvata
70.206 BF1885  – Clouded Magpie  – Abraxas sylvata  – (Scopoli, 1763)
Adult Macro:  CAT 1 – Distinctive species unlikely to be confused with others –      
PDF Icon – click for Adult Macro Verification Guidelines
Green –  Rare / Uncommon / Scarce   
Taxonomy:   Macro  >>.  >>  Geometridae  >> Ennominae
ID Difficulty:  amber  – care required in the identification process, as confusion with similar species is likely – quality photographs required.
Confusion Species:  Magpie
ID pointers: Unmistakable. Similar to Magpie but lacks the bold black markings, replaced by blue/black blotches and orange brown blotches on inner edge of forewings and hind wings and at basal area of forewing.
Distribution:  (Last record: 12 July 2024 at Buxton )  –  A resident that has become scarce and uncommon and locally distributed in Derbyshire. Favours woodland areas where there are Elm Trees, principle colonies in the Limestone Dales. Dutch Elm disease is probably the cause of the decline in this species. On 24th June 2024 a total of 50 were recorded from a light trap in Via Gellia. 
General Comment: None Flight Period: May /  June /  July –  On the wing – May – July Moth Activity: Nocturnal  Crepuscular   – but often seen by day Photographed: Yes –  Photographed By: Clive Ashton  © All Rights Reserved
*** Last updated on 2 October 2025 by RP ***
Wingspan: 35-44mm
Forewing: 18-22mm Food Plant: Wych Elm and English Elm.
Last Recorded By – Ian White
Last Recorded General Area – Buxton
Selected Images:  Via Gellia , Derbyshire – Clive Ashton ©

Clouded Magpie - Clive Ashton
Clouded Magpie – Clive Ashton
Clouded Magpie - Clive Ashton
Clouded Magpie – Clive Ashton
Clouded Magpie Caterpillar - 31st August 2024 - Blackwell Mill - Ian White
Clouded Magpie Caterpillar – 31st August 2024 – Blackwell Mill – Ian White
Clouded Magpie - 21st June 2024 - Blackwell Mill - Ian White
Clouded Magpie – 21st June 2024 – Blackwell Mill – Ian White
Clouded Magpie - Clive Ashton
Clouded Magpie - Clive Ashton
Clouded Magpie Caterpillar - 31st August 2024 - Blackwell Mill - Ian White
Clouded Magpie - 21st June 2024 - Blackwell Mill - Ian White


Image Gallery

Clouded Magpie - 21st June 2024 - Blackwell Mill - Ian White Clouded Magpie Caterpillar - 31st August 2024 - Blackwell Mill - Ian White Clouded Magpie - 24th June 2024 - Via Gellia, Derbyshire - Clive Ashton©

Temporal Distribution Chart
Adults: (between 1948 - 2025)  |  Immatures: (between 2001 - 2024)
(click legend below to show/hide datasets)

Distribution Map for Abraxas sylvata

Found 113 records
    ↳ from 2026+
    ↳ 30 from 2020 - 2025
    ↳ 83 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 – Abraxas sylvata

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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: Abraxas sylvata
( data includes both Larvae and Adult Stages )

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

First/Last Recorded Dates: Abraxas sylvata
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: Abraxas sylvata
( All data includes both Larvae and Adult Stages )
Annual Growth Rate (AGR): Abraxas sylvata
AGR: 2.81%   |   Total % Change: 100%

Hectad (10kmx10km) Coverage: Abraxas sylvata
( data includes both Larvae and Adult Stages )

Flight Periods – Indicative –vs– Recorded Data
Abraxas sylvata

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 - Abraxas sylvata – 113 records available

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

Site NameTetradDateCountStageRecorderSourceRecordKey
Via GelliaSK25T02/07/20256adultAshton, Clivevc57_irecords_extractiBRC42966466
Lowcroft, Buxton SK, UKSK07S21/06/20251AdultMarkCockervc57_irecords_extractiBRC42503551
upper cromford gardenSK25Y17/06/20251adultAshton, Clivevc57_irecords_extractiBRC42418727
Wirksworth, Matlock DEHE, UKSK25S16/06/20251AdultAlex Leesvc57_irecords_extractiBRC42591104
Miller's DaleSK17G13/06/20255adultSteven Bellvc57_irecords_extractiBRC42294154
Wye DaleSK17B03/06/20251adultTom Gillottvc57_irecords_extractiBRC42028134
Wye DaleSK17B02/06/20251AdultIan M. Whitevc57_irecords_extractiBRC42007116
Miller's DaleSK17G30/05/20251adultSteven Bellvc57_irecords_extractiBRC41950361
Conksbury Old Hall, Conksbury, Bakewell DEJW, UKSK26C19/05/20251Adultjo_jo_wvc57_irecords_extractiBRC41761226
Chee DaleSK17G17/05/20251adultGreenland, Martinvc57_irecords_extractiBRC45802897
Lathkill DaleSK16X15/05/20253adultSteve Robertsvc57_irecords_extractiBRC41597268
Wye DaleSK17B31/08/20241LarvaIan M. Whitevc57_irecords_extractiBRC38238669
Buxton (w)SK07R12/07/20241adultWhite, Ianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC37069008
Over Haddon, Bakewell DEJF, UKSK16X08/07/20241AdultLee Martinvc57_irecords_extractiBRC36911283
Buxton SK, UKSK07R24/06/20241AdultIan M. Whitevc57_irecords_extractiBRC36629006
Buxton (w)SK07R24/06/20241adultWhite, Ianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC36661836
Via GelliaSK25T24/06/202450adultAshton, Clivevc57_irecords_extractiBRC36666721
Derbyshire, UKSK17B21/06/20241AdultIan M. Whitevc57_irecords_extractiBRC36555869
Not givenSK16X30/04/20241AdultFaulkner, Petervc57_irecords_extractiBRC35655723
Middleton Wood verge Via GelliaSK25T02/07/20231adultDinsdale, Kayvc57_irecords_extractiBRC31268649
Lower Cromford GardenSK25Y26/06/20231adultAshton, Clivevc57_irecords_extractiBRC34567811
Lower Cromford GardenSK25Y21/06/20231adultAshton, Clivevc57_irecords_extractiBRC34567810
Not givenSK16X13/06/20231AdultRoberts, Alinevc57_irecords_extractiBRC30968725
Lower Cromford GardenSK25Y22/07/20221adultAshton, Clivevc57_irecords_extractiBRC34569076
Buxton SK, UKSK07S30/06/20221AdultOrridge, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC28606325
Findern, Derbyshire, DEAZSK33A29/06/20221adultBrian and Jean Hallamvc57_irecords_extractiBRC35166823
Ladycroft AveSK07S28/06/20221adultOrridge, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC35089702
Not givenSK16X17/06/20221AdultRoberts, Al and Johnvc57_irecords_extractiBRC25851456
Monks DaleSK17H15/06/20211AdultMarriott, Antvc57_irecords_extractiBRC20728283
DovedaleSK15L16/07/20201AdultBenniston, Lucyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC22356744
Millers Dale (Trail-Kiln)SK17G15/07/20173AdultP. Buxton;S. Brownevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WQCV7
Whitwell Wood (centre area), Whitwell, WorksopSK57J17/06/201730AdultDave Budworth;D. Brumbill;D.A. Clarke;D.A. Smith;Kvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WQJV5
Lathkill DaleSK16Y09/06/20174AdultMarriott, Antonyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC5211418
Dovedale, Ashbourne DENL, UKSK15L03/06/20171AdultSimon Bradfieldvc57_irecords_extractiBRC22490947
Monsal DaleSK17Q28/05/20171adultVan Toller, Simonvc57_irecords_extractiBRC30052301
Lathkill DaleSK16X19/06/20162adultHigginson-Tranter, Davevc57_irecords_extractiBRC21893308
Calver MarshSK27M17/07/20151AdultDerek Whiteleyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC3038563
Buxton SK, UKSK07S16/06/20151AdultOrridge, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC22503794
Ladycroft AveSK07S15/06/20151adultOrridge, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC48845359
Not givenSK25T03/07/201466AdultRoddis, Simonvc57_irecords_extractiBRC1142116
Not givenSK21C03/07/20141AdultWilliams, Michaelvc57_irecords_extractiBRC1564805
Catton Wood, Walton on TrentSK21C03/07/20141AdultM.J. Williamsvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WPHUX
Lathkill DaleSK26D29/06/20141AdultR. Harrisvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WQ4ST
Deep Dale NR, AshfordSK17Q04/06/20131AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJWE2
Via Gellia,CromfordSK25T04/08/20125AdultRoddis, Simonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OL8M1
Via Gellia,CromfordSK25T10/06/201210AdultRoddis, Simonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OL652
Lathkill Dale (woodland edge),YoulgreaveSK16X03/09/20111AdultDave Budworth;D.A. Clarke;P. Patrickvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WPBTS
Oaks Barn Cottage, Monyash Rd, Over Haddon, BakewellSK26D26/06/20111AdultD.A. Clarkevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJS2W
Via Gellia,CromfordSK25T25/06/201135AdultA. Butlervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OL0W6
Via Gellia,CromfordSK25T20/06/20112AdultA. Butlervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OL0PW
Halldale Wood,Darley DaleSK26X21/05/20114AdultA. Butlervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OK5XU
Lathkill DaleSK26D04/09/20101LarvaeS.H. Hindvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OKXM6
The Hollies,Station Rd,Darley DaleSK26R27/06/20101AdultRoddis, Simonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OK3Z5
Buxton SK, UKSK07S06/06/20101AdultOrridge, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC22503649
Ladycroft Ave,BuxtonSK07S05/06/20101AdultOrridge, Stevevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OKD6F
Ladycroft Ave, BuxtonSK07S05/06/20101AdultOrridge, Stevevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WOXXD
Etherow CPSJ99Q20/06/20091AdultHigginson-Tranter, Davevc57_irecords_extractiBRC8569732
Dovedale (Staffs side)SK15K01/06/200972AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OKN1C
Lathkill DaleSK16X07/06/200821AdultBUDWORTH, Mr D., WARD, Mr N.J., SEWELL, Mr B.G., Mvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OKF2P
DovedaleSK15L21/07/20063AdultDave Budworthvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJEA5
Whitwell Wood (centre area), Whitwell, WorksopSK57J18/06/200616AdultC. Stubbsvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJCK3
Lathkill Dale,BakewellSK16Y25/05/20061AdultBarnacle, Brianvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHSKE
Whitwell Wood,Whitwell,WorksopSK57J01/07/20053AdultC. Stubbsvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHRI6
Flash Lane,Beeley Moor (site not precise)SK26Z13/07/20041AdultA. Butlervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHQ9Y
Litton Frith Wood & MeadowSK17R02/06/20031AdultDerek Whiteleyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC3038561
Litton (Frith Wood & Meadow), Little LongstoneSK17R02/06/20031AdultD. Whiteleyvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OI4EJ
Litton Frith Wood & MeadowSK17S29/05/20021AdultDerek Whiteleyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC3038558
Litton Frith Wood & MeadowSK17R29/05/20021AdultDerek Whiteleyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC3038560
Litton (Frith Wood & Meadow), Little LongstoneSK17R29/05/20021AdultD.E. Whiteleyvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WOXAC
Via Gelia (Bonsall Wood), CromfordSK25T20/09/200120LarvaeB.L. Stathamvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OI41I
Halldale Wood,nr Darley Dale (site not precise)SK26X29/06/20014AdultA. Butlervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WPEY5
Halldale Wood,nr Darley Dale (site not precise)SK26X28/06/20019AdultA. Butlervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WPEY3
Halldale Wood,nr Darley Dale (site not precise)SK26X18/06/20013AdultA. Butlervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WPEXT
Via Gellia, Cromford (site not precise)SK25Y27/05/20011AdultA. Butlervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJ24X
Litton (Frith Wood & Meadow), Little LongstoneSK17R24/06/20001AdultSorby Moth Meeting;R.F. Botterillvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WQ5TB
Chee Dale, TideswellSK17G02/06/19971AdultF.A. Jacksonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OI2YA
Litton Frith Wood & MeadowSK17R18/06/19951AdultDerek Whiteleyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC3038559
Litton (Frith Wood & Meadow), Little LongstoneSK17R18/06/19951AdultD.E. Whiteleyvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WPXGX
Via Gellia,CromfordSK25N30/05/19921AdultJulian Clarkevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIVXA
Whitwell Wood,WhitwellSK57J30/05/19901AdultR.F. Botterillvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHKRY
Whitwell Wood,Whitwell,WorksopSK57J30/05/19901AdultR.F. Botterillvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WQ3YP
Matlock (Teacher Training College)SK36A07/07/19841AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHISV
Abney CloughSK27E06/07/19841AdultDerek Whiteleyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC3038562
Abney Clough,Great HucklowSK27E06/07/19841AdultD. Whiteleyvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIDYT
Abney Clough, Great HucklowSK27E06/07/19841AdultD.E. Whiteleyvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WQ3W8
Drummond Rd, IlkestonSK44R07/07/19831AdultT. Durovc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIPTE
Lathkill Dale (site not precise), BakewellSK16S18/07/19811AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHHH2
Clough Wood,Darley DaleSK26K03/06/19811AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHHCY
Via Gellia (site not precise),CromfordSK25N27/05/19811AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OINIA
Clough Wood,Darley DaleSK26K27/05/19811AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OINIB
Via Gellia (site not precise), CromfordSK25N27/05/19811AdultB. Elliottvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WOZGS
Clough Wood,Darley DaleSK26K26/05/19813AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OINI4
Askew Grove, ReptonSK32D12/06/19761AdultD.A. Youngvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WOR8O
Nimblejack (quarry), Via Gellia, Cromford (site not precise)SK25T15/06/19712AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHESW
Nimblejack (quarry), Via Gellia, Cromford (site not precise)SK25T12/06/19715AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJHRI
Via Gellia, Cromford (site not precise)SK25Y21/05/19715AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OJHQY
Hopton Wood Quarry (site not precise)SK25M04/07/19701AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIHTY
Gleadless area (site not precise)SK38W10/06/197015AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIHSE
Gleadless Townend, SheffieldSK38W01/06/19706AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIHRL
Welbeck Rd, BolsoverSK47V22/07/19691AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHEOR
The Old Manse, Ault Hucknall, GlapwellSK46S19/06/19682AdultJ.H. Johnsonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WP8AL
The Old Manse, Ault Hucknall, GlapwellSK46S18/06/19689AdultJ.H. Johnsonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WPADX
The Old Manse, Ault Hucknall, GlapwellSK46S17/06/19683AdultJ.H. Johnsonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WOTG6
The Old Manse, Ault Hucknall, GlapwellSK46S08/06/19681AdultJ.H. Johnsonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WQ0N8
Lathkill Dale (site not precise), BakewellSK16S03/06/19671AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHEJT
Moss Valley, FordSK48A14/06/19651AdultB. Elliottvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WP9O9
Manners Wood,BakewellSK26J18/06/19601AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIGR5
Moorend, Beeley, MatlockSK26T26/06/19591AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIG44
Moorend, BeeleySK26T26/06/19591AdultB.S. Fletchervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WOOQT
Lathkill Dale (site not precise)SK16S03/06/19562AdultR. Hawksworthvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHVA6
Cowlishaw Wood, Old TuptonSK36S13/06/19531AdultJ.H. Johnsonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001WPQ5C
Ford, Eckington (site not precise)SK47J11/06/19495AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OHDHV
Cressbrook Dale, Tideswell (site not precise)SK17R19/06/19481AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001OIDC3

The Magpie       Clouded Border

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