Photo © Liz Still

Lead Belle

Scotopteryx mucronata

Checklist Number
70.040 [B&F: 1733]

Verification
Record will require further evidence, at least a good photograph, unless CMR is aware recorder has confidence in identification

Classification

Family:Geometridae
Subfamily:Larentiinae
Genus:Scotopteryx
Species:mucronata
Authority:(Scopoli, 1763)

Local on acid heathland, moorland, scrubland and rough meadows in parts of south-western England, north-western England and Scotland. Not recorded in Hampshire or on the Isle of Wight to date. Wingspan 30-38 mm. Very similar to July Belle S. luridata, but usually that species has discal spot closer to the antemedian line. Putative examples of Lead Belle away from the normal range of the species (in particular, in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight) should be confirmed by dissection of the genitalia. Larva feeds on Broom, Gorse, Petty Whin and Dyer's Greenweed.