Photo © Keith Tailby

Dark Bordered Beauty

Epione vespertaria

Checklist Number
70.228 [B&F: 1908]

Verification
Record will require further evidence, at least a good photograph, unless CMR is aware recorder has confidence in identification

Classification

Family:Geometridae
Subfamily:Ennominae
Genus:Epione
Species:vespertaria
Authority:(Linnaeus, 1767)

A rare Red Data Book species, in open grassland and scrubby heathland, surviving in a few sites in northern England and in Scotland, a priority species under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. Unlikely to be recorded in Hampshire or on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 26-29 mm. The most likely confusion species is Bordered Beauty E. repandaria, which see for differences. Larva feeds on Aspen and Creeping Willow, over-wintering as an egg.