Tamarisk Peacock
Common NameTamarisk Peacock
Scientific NameAscotis selenaria
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyEnnominae
Wingspan (mm)40
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, black, white
HabitatOpen woodlands, scrubland, heathland, gardens, coastal areas
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, Middle East, Central Asia
Host PlantsTamarisk, Willow, Poplar, Birch, Hawthorn
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae are 'loopers' or 'inchworms', typically green or brown, mimicking twigs. They feed on various woody plants. Pupation occurs in the soil or leaf litter, and the species overwinters as a pupa or sometimes as a larva.
Identification TipsLook for the highly variable but consistently mottled grey and black cryptic pattern, often with faint discal spots and wavy transverse lines. The scalloped hindwing margin is also a good feature, and it typically rests flat against bark.
Description
A medium-sized moth with highly variable, mottled grey, white, and black wings, featuring wavy transverse lines and a small discal spot, providing excellent camouflage against tree bark.
