Photo © Mike Wall

Sharp-angled Peacock

Macaria alternata

Checklist Number
70.212 [B&F: 1890]

Verification
Record will normally be accepted but photo evidence may be required - check with CMR if not sure of identity

Classification

Family:Geometridae
Subfamily:Ennominae
Genus:Macaria
Species:alternata
Authority:([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)

Local in broad-leaved woodland, scrubby heathland and sand-dunes throughout much of England, more commonly in the south. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight fairly common throughout, being the rather more common of the two similar Macaria species. Wingspan 27-32 mm. The main confusion species is Peacock Moth M. notata, but in M. alternata there is usually an indistinct grey band running through the blotch in the centre of the forewing, across both forewing and hindwing, and the apical markings are bolder, accentuating the more pointed apex and deeper notch in the termen. Larva feeds on Sallow, Blackthorn, Sea Buckthorn and Alder, over-wintering as a pupa.

The abundance in each month is indicated as follows:

No records
Very occasional
Irregular
Uncommon
Off-peak, but not unusual
Off-peak, but not unusual
Main flight time
J F M A M J J A S O N D
Adult
Larval

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)