Willow Beauty

Peribatodes rhomboidaria

Commonly distributed throughout Britain to Southern Scotland, but more local further north.

The Caterpillar Larva is reddish-brown and feeds on a variety of trees and shrubs, but – despite its name – rarely or never on Willows (Salix). 

The species overwinters as a small larva.

The wings of this species are whitish-grey or -yellowish, though they have a buff or grey appearance from a distance, as they are heavily speckled with brown or black dots.

The Adults are on the wing during summer – e.g. June to September on the British Isles.

They fly at night and are attracted to light.