Willow Beauty

One of several similar species but one of the most widespread and numerous. The typical forms are brownish with a central cross-line on the forewing which is fine and strongly kinked near the leading edge. On the underside, the forewings have a distinctive pale square patch at the tip. There is also a greyish form f. perfumaria and an almost black melanic form f. rebeli.

The adults can be found by day at rest on tree trunks. At night they feed on flowers such as Creeping Thistle and Ragwort and are readily attracted to light.

Size and Family

• Family – Thorns, beauties, umbers and allies (Geometridae)
• Medium Sized
• Wingspan Range – 34-48mm

Conservation status

• UK BAP: Not listed
• Common

Caterpillar Food Plants

A wide range of broadleaved trees, shrubs and climbers including Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), Garden Privet (Ligustrum ovalifolium), birches, Alder Buckthorn (Frangula alnus), Honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum), Traveller’s-joy (Clematis vitalba) and Ivy (Hedera helix). Also on conifers including Yew (Taxus baccata), Scot’s Pine (Pinus sylvestris), Norway Spruce (Picea abies) and Monterey Cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa).

Habitat

Woodland, scrub, hedgerows, parks, gardens and urban areas where the foodplants grow.

Distribution

• Countries – England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland
• Common and well distributed throughout most of England, Wales, Ireland, the Channel Islands and much of lowland Scotland. Local and infrequent on the Isle of Man.