Scientific name: Cyclophora punctaria
Two generations. Early May to early July and Mid-July to late September. Most commonly found in the ancient woodlands of central and southern England and the Wye and Severn Valleys, becoming scarcer further north.
The distinctive central cross-line is largely red and as the name suggests it is often accompanied by a central reddish blush on the forewings. The forewing tip is pointed and the outer edge has a central bulge.
The adults are sometimes seen during the day resting on the leaves of trees or Bracken and other vegetation. They feed on tree flowers at night and are attracted to light. The larvae can be found from late June to July and mid-August to September before they overwinter as pupae attached to a fallen oak leaf.
Size and Family
- Family – Mochas and waves (Geometridae)
- Small Sized
- Wingspan Range – 26-32mm
- UK BAP: Not listed
Caterpillar Food Plants
Pedunculate Oak (Quercus Robur), probably Sessile Oak (Quercus petraea) and possibly Turkey Oak (Quercus cerris).
Found in all types of Oak woodland from open scrubby growth to dense mature areas.
- Countries – England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland
- Well distributed in England and Wales north to Yorkshire. Very local in Scotland and Ireland. Local and occasional in the Channel Islands.