Willow Beauty
Common NameWillow Beauty
Scientific NamePeribatodes rhomboidaria
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyEnnominae
Wingspan (mm)40
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, dark brown
HabitatWoodlands, hedgerows, gardens, scrubland, urban areas
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, Near East, Central Asia
Host Plantswillow, sallow, hawthorn, blackthorn, birch, oak, fruit trees
Flight PeriodJune to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on host plants. Larvae are 'looper' caterpillars, typically green or brown, feeding on leaves. They pupate in the soil or leaf litter. Adults are nocturnal.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive mottled grey-brown cryptic pattern, often with a faint discal spot and wavy cross-lines. The broad wings and resting posture (wings held flat) are typical of many Geometridae.
Description
A medium-sized moth with broad, cryptically patterned wings in shades of grey and brown, featuring darker wavy lines and speckles that provide excellent camouflage against bark or stone.
