Photo © David G Green

Straw Belle

Aspitates gilvaria

Checklist Number
70.293 [B&F: 1967]

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

Classification

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

A rare Red Data Book species, on calcareous grassland and in quarries, at two sites in Surrey and several in Kent, a priority species under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. Also local on limestone pavements in Ireland on the Burren (ssp. burrenensis). In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight there are two very old records, which may not stand up to scrutiny but remain on the database. Wingspan 32-39 mm. The most likely confusion species is Yellow Belle Semiaspilates ochrearia, which see for differences. Larva feeds on Common Bird's-foot Trefoil, Fairy Flax, Black Medick, Wild Thyme, Creeping Cinquefoil, Wild Parsnip and Yarrow.

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.

VC10 Isle of Wight

Site Date Quantity Recorder Stage
Cowes (SZ49)1856-IWGAdult
Sandown (SZ58)1929-H G JefferyAdult
Freshwater (SZ38)2001-David B WooldridgeAdult