Square Spot
Common NameSquare Spot
Scientific NameEpirrhoe alternata
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyLarentiinae
Wingspan (mm)25
Primary Colorsgrey, white, brown, black
HabitatWoodlands, hedgerows, gardens, grasslands, heathland
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia
Host Plantsbedstraw (Galium spp.)
Flight PeriodMay to August
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on various bedstraw species. The species typically overwinters as a pupa.
Identification TipsLook for the greyish-white ground colour, the broad dark median band often constricted centrally, the distinct wavy pale subterminal line, and the scalloped outer wing margins.
Description
A small to medium-sized moth with a pale greyish-white ground colour, heavily dusted with dark scales, and prominent dark brown to blackish bands across the forewings, featuring a distinct wavy subterminal line and scalloped outer margins.
