Mottled Umber
by
Shop
Shop
Erannis defoliaria
Distributed commonly over most of Britain, especially so in the south.
Larvae feed on broad-leaved trees and shrubs, including Oak, Birch, Hazel, Hawthorn, Blackthorn, Apple, Dog-rose, Sycamore, Hornbeam and Elm.
The species overwinters as an egg.
The Female of this species is wingless and rather spider-like and can be found on the trunks and stems of its larval food plants.
The Male is fully winged and very variable.
The ground colour of the forewing is pale yellow or light yellow ochre and suffused dark grey.
There is a grey-black discal spot on both wings.
The Adults have been recorded from September to December in the Great Britain and Ireland.
Males are attracted to light.