Bracken Moth
Common NameBracken Moth
Scientific NamePhasiane petraria
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyEnnominae
Wingspan (mm)25
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, reddish-brown
HabitatHeathland, moorland, open woodlands, areas with bracken
Geographic RangeWestern Europe, including Great Britain and Ireland
Host PlantsBracken (Pteridium aquilinum)
Flight PeriodMay to July
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae feed on bracken and overwinter before pupating. The moth typically has one generation per year, sometimes a partial second.
Identification TipsLook for its characteristic reddish-brown, speckled appearance and the single, prominent wavy dark transverse line on both wings, often found in bracken-rich habitats.
Description
A medium-sized moth with reddish-brown to grey-brown wings, finely speckled with darker scales, and a distinct wavy dark line running across both fore and hindwings.
