Mottled Umber
Common NameMottled Umber
Scientific NameErannis defoliaria
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyEnnominae
Wingspan (mm)40
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, reddish-brown, dark brown
HabitatWoodlands, forests, hedgerows, gardens, parks
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, temperate Asia
Host Plantsoak, birch, elm, beech, hawthorn, fruit trees
Flight PeriodOctober to December
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUnivoltine, with eggs laid on host plants in winter. Larvae hatch in spring, feeding on leaves before pupating in the soil. Adults emerge in late autumn/early winter; females are flightless with vestigial wings.
Identification TipsMales are identified by their variable brown, mottled, scalloped wings and late flight period. Females are distinctive due to their flightless nature, possessing very small, stubby wings and a stout body.
Description
A medium-sized moth with highly variable, cryptic brown to reddish-brown wings featuring wavy transverse lines and scalloped margins, providing excellent camouflage against tree bark.
