The Phoenix
Common NameThe Phoenix
Scientific NameEulithis prunata
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyLarentiinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, dark brown, cream
HabitatWoodlands, gardens, hedgerows, areas with host plants
Geographic RangePalearctic region (Europe, Asia), parts of North America
Host PlantsPrunus (plum, cherry, sloe), Ribes (currant, gooseberry), Betula (birch), Salix (willow)
Flight PeriodJuly to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs overwinter, hatching in spring. Larvae feed on various trees and shrubs, pupating in the soil or leaf litter. Adults emerge in summer.
Identification TipsKey features include the broad, dark central band on the forewings, bordered by wavy pale lines, and a distinctive pale, wavy subterminal line. The overall brown and cream mottled appearance provides camouflage.
Description
A medium-sized moth with mottled brown forewings featuring a broad, dark central band and prominent wavy pale lines, particularly a subterminal line. The hindwings are paler with faint banding.
