Bird Toxonprucha
Common NameBird Toxonprucha
Scientific NameMacaria alternata
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyEnnominae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, tan, dark brown
HabitatWoodlands, forests, gardens, hedgerows
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia
Host Plantswillow, birch, alder, hazel, oak, hawthorn
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are 'loopers' or 'inchworms,' camouflaged as twigs or bark. They feed on various deciduous trees and shrubs, then pupate in the soil or leaf litter.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive pointed forewing apex and the intricate, bark-like pattern of wavy lines and mottling in shades of brown and grey. The overall shape is triangular when at rest.
Description
A medium-sized moth with broad, triangular wings held flat at rest. Its wings are cryptically patterned with mottled shades of brown, grey, and tan, featuring wavy dark lines and a pointed forewing apex.
