Autumn alsophila moth
Common NameAutumn alsophila moth
Scientific NameAlsophila autumnata
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyAlsophilinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorspale yellow-brown, grey-brown
HabitatDeciduous and mixed woodlands, parks, gardens
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia
Host Plantsoak, birch, elm, lime, hazel, apple, cherry, hawthorn
Flight PeriodOctober to December
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUnivoltine, with eggs laid in late autumn/early winter. Larvae hatch in spring, feeding on various deciduous trees, then pupate in the soil. Females are wingless.
Identification TipsMales are identified by their late autumn/early winter flight period, pale brown cryptic coloration, and the two faint wavy lines on the forewings. The wingless female is unmistakable.
Description
A small, pale yellowish-brown moth with broad, somewhat triangular forewings, featuring two faint, wavy transverse lines and a small discal spot. Its cryptic coloration provides excellent camouflage against dead leaves and tree bark.
