Photo © Mike Wall

Grey Birch

Aethalura punctulata

Checklist Number
70.274 [B&F: 1951]

Verification
Record will be accepted (subject to date and location checks)

Classification

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

Common in birch woodland and heathland throughout Britain, most numerous in south-eastern England. Widespread and fairly common in Hampshire, but scarce on the Isle of Wight, with only one record so far this century. Wingspan 30-35 mm. Small size precludes confusion with all but Dotted Carpet Alcis jubata, which is whiter, with more conspicuous black marking, and Brussels Lace Cleorodes lichenaria, which has bolder, more strongly dentate subterminal fascia. Larva feeds on Downy and Silver Birch, 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)

No Larval records to show.