Winter Moth
Common NameWinter Moth
Scientific NameOperophtera brumata
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyLarentiinae
Wingspan (mm)25
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, olive
HabitatDeciduous woodlands, orchards, gardens, hedgerows
Geographic RangeEurope, Asia, North America (introduced)
Host Plantsoak, apple, cherry, birch, elm, maple, hawthorn
Flight PeriodOctober to December
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid in bark crevices in winter, hatching in early spring. Larvae feed on developing buds and leaves of various deciduous trees, then drop to the ground to pupate in the soil. Adults emerge in late autumn and early winter.
Identification TipsMales have pale, mottled wings and are active during late autumn and winter. Females are flightless with greatly reduced, vestigial wings, making them easily distinguishable from other moths.
Description
A small, drab moth with pale greyish-brown to olive-brown wings, often mottled with faint darker bands, providing excellent camouflage against tree bark or dead leaves.
