Winter Moth Operophtera brumata
Based on 79,395 records from NBN Atlas. pre-2000 2000+ View detailed records on NBN Atlas →

Winter Moth Operophtera brumata

70.106 BF1799

(Linnaeus, 1758)

Wingspan 22-28 mm.

A common species in most of Britain, this moth occurs, as its English name suggests, from late autumn through to January or February.

The larvae feed on a range of trees and shrubs, as well as moorland species such as heather (Calluna). Sometimes the larvae occur in great numbers, reaching pest status and occasionally completely defoliating small trees.

The females are virtually wingless, and crawl up tree-trunks to await the arrival of males.

Flight period

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