Mottled Beauty
Common NameMottled Beauty
Scientific NameGnophos furvata
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyEnnominae
Wingspan (mm)40
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, brown
HabitatDry grasslands, heathland, rocky areas, open woodlands, often on limestone or chalk.
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia (e.g., Turkey, Caucasus)
Host PlantsThymus, Calluna, Erica, Lotus, Genista
Flight PeriodJuly to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larva is greyish-brown and overwinters as a small caterpillar. It feeds on various low-growing plants in spring, pupating in the soil.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its overall mottled grey-brown coloration, the distinct serrated dark cross-lines on both wings, and the scalloped wing margins. The specific pattern of these lines helps differentiate it from similar *Gnophos* species.
Description
A medium-sized moth with a cryptic, mottled grey and brown appearance, featuring prominent dark, serrated cross-lines on both forewings and hindwings, and scalloped wing margins.
