General comments:
Widespread resident.

The typical white-with-black-spots form of this moth and the well-known almost entirely black industrial melanic, f. carbonaria Jordan, are both a familiar sight in Hertfordshire and Middlesex. Unfortunately, we appear to have no data concerning the proportions of the two until 1937, when Foster's list of that year notes that it was common in all districts, with black forms 'becoming much more common of late years'. The intermediate f. insularia Thierry-Mieg is a genetic form occasionally reported, but for which I have seen no reliable Hertfordshire records. Reports, where checked, relate to intermediates between typical and carbonaria forms and appear likely to be hybrids - not true insularia. The advent of DNA bar-coding may provide a reliable means of investigating this aspect. A larval record from Larch was a surprise as broad-leaved trees are usually preferred.

Recorded in 37 (90%) of 41 10k Squares. First Recorded in 1887. Last Recorded in 2024. Additional Stats

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