70.217 BF1896

Rannoch Looper Macaria brunneata

(Thunberg, 1784)

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Wingspan 25-30 mm.

The distribution of this moth, as the English name suggests, is restricted to the mature woodland areas of central Scotland, although it also occurs occasionally as a migrant, mostly in eastern England. Since 2009, there has been an increase in the number of records in Sussex, leading to some suspicion of a local breeding population there.

It is a day-flying species, and usually rests butterfly-like, with the wings held closed. The adults appear in June and July.

The caterpillars are brown with a pale spiracular stripe, and feed on bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus).