1795-1800

	Dorset Moth Group

GEOMETRIDAE - Autumnals

The first three ‘Autumnal’ moth species need to be dissected to be sure of identification; their variation and similarity make it all but impossible to positively name them from external characteristics alone. Given the lack of research in Dorset, national habitat preferences are included in the descriptions below.

1795 Epirrita dilutata [Denis & Schiffermüller 1775] NOVEMBER

Widespread common and in Britain, the larva feeding on most trees and shrubs. The shape of the post-median fascia on the forewing tends to be only slightly curved and often joined to the discal spot. In Dorset, the moth is likely to be ubiquitous, but particularly abundant in deciduous woodland.

1796 Epirrita christyi (Allen, 1906) PALE NOVEMBER

Widespread and locally common in Britain, the larva feeding on deciduous trees. The shape of the post-median fascia on the forewing forms an obtuse angle where it curves around the discal spot. In Dorset, the moth is likely to be most common in woodland on chalky soils.

1797 Epirrita autumnata (Borkhausen, 1794) AUTUMNAL

Widespread in Britain, the larva feeding on birch (Betula spp.) and alder (Alnus spp.). The shape of the post-median fascia on the forewing forms a right angle where it curves around the discal spot. In Dorset, the moth is likely to be most common in deciduous woodland on wetland and heathland sites.

1799 Operophtera brumata (Linnaeus, 1758) WINTER

Common in Britain, the larva feeding on most trees and shrubs. The female is practically wingless. Nurserymen paint sticky substances around the circumference of fruit trees to prevent females reaching the buds to lay eggs. In Dorset, the moth is practically ubiquitous, and ranges from abundant in deciduous woodland and unstrimmed hedgerow habitat, and frequent to common elsewhere.

1800 Operophtera fagata (Scharfenberg, 1805) NORTHERN WINTER

Widespread in Britain, the larva feeding on birch (Betula spp.), apple (Malus domestica), wild plum (Prunus domestica) and wild cherry (Prunus avium). The female has rudimentary wings. In Dorset, the moth appears to be rare, although moth-trapping effort is limited at such late dates. The moth has been found amongst birch at Trigon, at Norden and on The Triangle at Arne and amongst deciduous woodland in the north of the county, historically at Iwerne Minster, and more recently in Farnham Woods and in Chase Woods. It is likely to be more widespread than records indicate, and trapping in mid-November within woodland where mature birch trees grow will probably yield additional records.