Royal Mantle
Common NameRoyal Mantle
Scientific NameCatarhoe cuculata
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyLarentiinae
Wingspan (mm)31
Primary Colorsbrown, black, white, grey
HabitatWoodland edges, hedgerows, gardens, and other areas with bedstraw host plants.
Geographic RangeEurope, extending eastwards into parts of Asia.
Host PlantsLady's Bedstraw (Galium verum), Hedge Bedstraw (Galium mollugo)
Flight PeriodMay to July (sometimes a partial second brood in August/September)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on host plants. Larvae are green with white stripes and feed on bedstraws, pupating in the soil over winter.
Identification TipsKey features include the distinctive broad white median band on the forewings, sharply defined by dark brown and black borders, and the wavy inner edge of this band. The overall mottled brown, black, and white pattern is characteristic.
Description
This is a medium-sized moth with intricately patterned forewings, featuring a broad white median band bordered by dark brown and black bands, and a lighter greyish-brown basal area. The hindwings are a plainer pale grey.
