The Moths of Suffolk
1926 Pale Brindled Beauty, Phigalia pilosaria, (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775)
National Status : Common

Local Status : Resident (SMP Status 1)

Distribution and abundance : Widespread and common

Habitats : Broad-leaved woodland, heathland, scrub and gardens

Flight Period : Single-brooded; December to March

Larval foodplants : Various broad-leaved trees and shrubs, found locally on hawthorn and oak

Morley's Final Catalogue : Common everywhere from Bentley Woods to Belton and Gorleston, extending from 14 December at Ipswich light in 1894 to 16 February at Monks Soham garden in 1920.

Wingspan details : Forewing 19-24mm, Wingspan male 42-50mm, female wingless

Identification

Confusion species
    AdultSmall Brindled Beauty, Apocheima hispidaria
Brindled Beauty, Lycia hirtaria

Compare confusion species
    Adult

See Also :

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Ipswich, Suffolk (ii.2003) © N Sherman

Flight chart
JFMAMJJASOND
39 100 4 3

Life history chart
JFMAMJJASOND
imago imago ovaimago larva larva larva pupa pupa pupa pupa pupa pupa

Further Photographs

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Melanic form - Ipswich, Suffolk (ii.2004) © N Sherman
Found by day on Oak - Ipswich, Suffolk (v.2002) © N Sherman
Thetford (7.iii.2001) © L Gregory
 
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Extreme melanic form - Ipswich, Suffolk (ii.2005) © N Sherman
Early instar larva on birch - Purdis Heath, Ipswich, Suffolk (14.v.2006) © A Prichard
Ipswich, Suffolk (ii.2007) © Neil Sherman
 
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Female found after dark by torchlight on oak tree trunk - Ipswich, Suffolk (ii.2009) © Neil Sherman
Pair - Ipswich, Suffolk (ii.2009) © Neil Sherman
Knettishall Heath, Suffolk (9.v.2009) © Lee Gregory