Photo © Mike Wall

Swallow-tailed Moth

Ourapteryx sambucaria

Checklist Number
70.243 [B&F: 1922]

Verification
Record will be accepted (subject to date and location checks)

Classification

Family:Geometridae
Subfamily:Ennominae
Genus:Ourapteryx
Species:sambucaria
Authority:(Linnaeus, 1758)

Common in woodland, scrub, hedgerows, parks and gardens, throughout the British Isles. Wingspan 50-62 mm. One of the largest and most spectacular geometers. Larva feeds on woody plants such as Blackthorn, Hawthorn, Goat Willow, Black Currant, Elder, Horse Chestnut and Ivy.

The abundance in each month is indicated as follows:

No records
Very occasional
Irregular
Uncommon
Off-peak, but not unusual
Off-peak, but not unusual
Main flight time
J F M A M J J A S O N D
Adult
Larval

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)