Light Orange Underwing
Common NameLight Orange Underwing
Scientific NameArchiearis notha
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyArchiearinae
Wingspan (mm)34
Primary Colorsgrey, orange, black
HabitatWoodlands, especially birch and aspen forests
Geographic RangeEurope, from the British Isles eastwards to Russia and Siberia
Host PlantsBirch (Betula), Aspen (Populus tremula)
Flight PeriodMarch to May
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on birch and aspen leaves, pupating in the soil over winter, with adults emerging in early spring.
Identification TipsLook for its distinctive bright orange hindwings with black markings, visible when it rests with wings slightly open or in flight, contrasting with its cryptic forewings.
Description
This moth features mottled grey-brown forewings for camouflage, contrasting sharply with its bright orange hindwings adorned with a black central band and border.
