If there are pine trees nearby, you have a chance of seeing this beautiful, orange-red moth which flies from late February until the beginning of summer. Thanks to its colours and patterns, the moth blends in perfectly as it rests among the buds of the pine trees.
Contrary to the general decline of UK moths, the Pine Beauty has done well over recent decades, increasing in numbers as a result of pine trees being planted for timber production and as ornamental plants in gardens.
Adults feed in spring at sallow blossom and are attracted to light.
Flight Season
There is one generation that flies from late February through to early May.
Size and Family
- Family – Hadenines
- Small Sized
- Wingspan Range – 30-33mm
Conservation Status
- UK BAP: Not listed
- Common Resident
Caterpillar Food Plants
The caterpillars feed on Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), as well as other Pinaceae.
Habitat
Can be found in coniferous forests and plantations.
Distribution
- Countries – England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland
- Common throughout the British Isles in suitable habitat

Pine Beauty - Iain Leach
Pine Beauty
Iain Leach

Pine Beauty - Pete Withers
Pine Beauty
Pete Withers

Pine Beauty

Pine Beauty - Ilia Ustyantsev
Pine Beauty
Ilia Ustyantsev

Pine Beauty - Garry Barlow
Pine Beauty
Garry Barlow

Pine Beauty - Dave Shenton
Pine Beauty
Dave Shenton

Pine Beauty - Pete Withers
Pine Beauty
Pete Withers

Pine Beauty - Samantha Batty
Pine Beauty
Samantha Batty

Pine Beauty - Rachel Scopes
Pine Beauty
Rachel Scopes

Pine Beauty - Koen Thonissen
Pine Beauty
Koen Thonissen

Pine Beauty - Koen Thonissen
Pine Beauty
Koen Thonissen

Pine Beauty - Koen Thonissen
Pine Beauty
Koen Thonissen