70.120 Rheumaptera hastata (Argent & Sable)
fw 13-19mm; May-Jun (Waring), Jun-Jul (UKmoths); downy/silver birch (Betula pubescens/pendula); NS-B open woodland and moorland in England, N.Wales and Scotland. Polymprphic.
Rheumaptera hastata f.nigrescens (Argent & Sable) §3 male
ID: Characterised by the distinctive black and white pattern.
Form hastata fw 16-19mm has intensely black markings, occurs in W.Midlands and further south;
Form laxata (smaller than hastata) lacks most of the black median fascia markings to leave a broad central white band, occurs in S.Scotland, N.England and N.Wales.
Form demolita has the black markings extremely reduced
Form nigrescens fw 13-15mm has more intricate less intensely black markings, occurs in NW.Scotland and the Hebrides
Form hastata fw 16-19mm has intensely black markings, occurs in W.Midlands and further south;
Form laxata (smaller than hastata) lacks most of the black median fascia markings to leave a broad central white band, occurs in S.Scotland, N.England and N.Wales.
Form demolita has the black markings extremely reduced
Form nigrescens fw 13-15mm has more intricate less intensely black markings, occurs in NW.Scotland and the Hebrides
§1 Ben More, Mull; 27/06/2011; netted by day
§2 Carsaig, Mull; 17/06/2018; female; fw 13.8mm; netted by day
§3 Loch Rannoch, Perthshire; 13/06/2021; male; fw 15.1mm; netted by day
§4 Shap Fells, Cumbria; 18/06/2023
All images © Chris Lewis
§2 Carsaig, Mull; 17/06/2018; female; fw 13.8mm; netted by day
§3 Loch Rannoch, Perthshire; 13/06/2021; male; fw 15.1mm; netted by day
§4 Shap Fells, Cumbria; 18/06/2023
All images © Chris Lewis
Page published 29/04/2013 (§1) | §2 added 19/04/2019 | §3 added 09/10/2021 | §4 added 17/12/2023
