Brown Shades
Common NameBrown Shades
Scientific NameXanthorhoe ferrugata
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyLarentiinae
Wingspan (mm)24
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsreddish-brown, dark brown, ochreous
HabitatWoodlands, gardens, hedgerows, heathland, various open habitats
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia, introduced to North America
Host PlantsGalium spp. (bedstraws), Stellaria spp. (chickweeds), Polygonum aviculare (knotgrass)
Flight PeriodMay to September (bivoltine)
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on host plants. Larvae are camouflaged, feeding on leaves, and pupate in the soil. Typically has two generations per year.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its reddish-brown ground color, the dark, wavy median band on the forewings, and the strongly scalloped outer margin of both fore and hindwings. Can be confused with similar *Xanthorhoe* species.
Description
A medium-sized moth with reddish-brown forewings featuring complex wavy dark bands and lines, and a distinctive scalloped outer margin. The hindwings are paler with faint banding.
