The caterpillars have a similar colouration to the adults and can be seen from late August to the following June, overwintering on the food plant.
The adults can sometimes be found at rest on Bramble and other low foliage. They are attracted to light.
Size and Family
- Family – Thorns, beauties, umbers and allies (Geometridae)
- Medium Sized
- Wingspan Range – 36-50mm
Conservation status
- UK BAP: Not listed
- Common
Caterpillar Food Plants
Currant and gooseberry bushes (Ribes spp.), Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), Hazel (Corylus avellana), Garden Privet (Ligustrun ovalifolium), Spindle (Euonymus europaeus) and Bramble (Rubus fruiticosus) as well as heathers in northern Scotland.
Habitat
Most abundant on northern heather moorland but also fairly frequent in garden, allotments, hedgerows and woodland.
Distribution
- Countries – England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland
- Common throughout lowland mainland Britain, the Isle of Man, Ireland and the Channel Islands.

Magpie - Stuart Read
Magpie
Stuart Read

Magpie - Ilia Ustyantsev
Magpie
Ilia Ustyantsev

Magpie - Ben Sale
Magpie
Ben Sale

Magpie - Patrick Clement
Magpie
Patrick Clement

Magpie - Stuart Read
Magpie
Stuart Read

Magpie - Ben Sale
Magpie
Ben Sale

Magpie - Ben Sale
Magpie
Ben Sale

Magpie - Dave Shenton
Magpie
Dave Shenton

Magpie (caterpillar) - J. Bebbington
Magpie (caterpillar)
J. Bebbington

Magpie (caterpillar) - Dave Shenton
Magpie (caterpillar)
Dave Shenton

Magpie (caterpillar) - Dave Shenton
Magpie (caterpillar)
Dave Shenton

Magpie (caterpillar) - Dave Shenton
Magpie (caterpillar)
Dave Shenton