The Fern
Common NameThe Fern
Scientific NamePhilereme vetulata
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyLarentiinae
Wingspan (mm)31
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, grey
HabitatWoodlands, hedgerows, gardens, scrubland
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia
Host PlantsRhamnus cathartica, Frangula alnus
Flight PeriodJune to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on the host plant, typically Buckthorn or Alder Buckthorn. Larvae feed on the leaves, and pupation occurs in a cocoon on the ground or in leaf litter. The species overwinters as an egg.
Identification TipsKey features include its overall brown-grey mottled appearance with prominent wavy cross-lines, especially a dark central band on the forewing. It is generally paler and less strongly marked than similar species like The Dark Umber (*Philereme transversata*).
Description
This moth has mottled brown and grey wings with several distinct wavy dark lines and bands across both forewings and hindwings, providing excellent camouflage against bark or foliage.
