Irish moths

Winter Moth, Operophtera brumata

Family: Geometridae       Sub-family: Larentiinae

1799     *     Winter Moth     *     Operophtera brumata


Widespread, common
Wingspan: 22-28mm. Females are wingless.

Flight time: November-January
Habitat: Woods, hedges, gardens, scrub. Not found at high altitudes

Larvae feed on most broad-leaved shrubs and trees, also Bog-myrtle and heather. Recently reported as a pest in forestry plantations.

Similar: Northern Winter Moth and female March Moth, also
November Moth agg. Usually larger with more pointed wingtips.


Winter Moth, Operophtera brumata


Winter Moth, Operophtera brumata


Winter Moth, Operophtera brumata


Winter Moth, Operophtera brumata, larva

Winter Moth, Operophtera brumata
Adult: Ballingeary, Co. Cork, SW Ireland. December 2010. Caterpillar: On Hazel, May 2011

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