70.120 Rheumaptera hastata (Argent & Sable) 1787
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); Ben More, Mull; 27/06/2011 © Chris Lewis
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
Page published 29/04/2013 (§1)