Mottled Beauty
Common NameMottled Beauty
Scientific NameAlcis repandata
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyEnnominae
Wingspan (mm)45
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, black, white
HabitatWoodlands, heathlands, gardens, moorlands
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia
Host Plantsbirch, oak, willow, heather, bilberry, honeysuckle
Flight PeriodJune to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae are twig-like caterpillars that feed on a wide variety of deciduous and coniferous trees and shrubs. They overwinter as larvae and pupate in the soil.
Identification TipsLook for its distinctive mottled, bark-like pattern of grey, brown, and black with prominent wavy lines across the wings, and a scalloped outer wing margin, which provides excellent camouflage.
Description
A medium-sized moth with broad, cryptically patterned wings in shades of grey, brown, and black, featuring wavy transverse lines and a scalloped outer margin.
