70.231 BF1910

Lilac Beauty Apeira syringaria

(Linnaeus, 1758)

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Wingspan 38-42 mm.

A member of the 'Thorn' family, this moth has an unusual aspect when at rest, with the front margins of the wings curiously folded. This, in combination with the colour and pattern give a crumpled leaf-like appearance.

It flies in June and July, and is locally distributed in much of England, Wales and Ireland.

It inhabits woodland and hedgerows, and the caterpillar feeds on honeysuckle (Lonicera) and privet (Ligustrum) among others.