Early Tooth-striped
Common NameEarly Tooth-striped
Scientific NameOdontopera bidentata
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyEnnominae
Wingspan (mm)40
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, white
HabitatWoodlands, parks, gardens, hedgerows, scrubland
Geographic RangeEurope, extending eastwards into parts of Asia
Host Plantsbirch, oak, hawthorn, sallow, hazel, honeysuckle, privet
Flight PeriodApril to June
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are 'looper' caterpillars that feed on various deciduous trees and shrubs. They pupate in a cocoon amongst leaf litter or just below the soil surface, overwintering as pupae.
Identification TipsLook for the broad, angular wings with their mottled grey-brown and whitish camouflage pattern, and the prominent, toothed dark cross-lines on the forewings.
Description
A medium-sized moth with broad, somewhat angular wings, cryptically patterned with mottled shades of grey, brown, and white, providing excellent camouflage against tree bark.
