The Mocha
Common NameThe Mocha
Scientific NameCyclophora punctaria
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilySterrhinae
Wingspan (mm)28
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorscream, brown, grey
HabitatWoodlands, hedgerows, gardens
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia
Host Plantsoak, birch, hazel, beech, sallow
Flight PeriodApril to June, July to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe moth overwinters as a pupa. Larvae feed on the leaves of various deciduous trees.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its pale ground color with distinct, often jagged, dark transverse lines and prominent, usually ring-like, dark discal spots on all wings. The subterminal band is typically broad and dark.
Description
A small to medium-sized moth with a pale, creamy-brown ground color, marked with several wavy dark lines and prominent dark discal spots, often ringed, on both forewings and hindwings.
