70.041 BF1734

July Belle Scotopteryx luridata

(Fabricius, 1775)

Wingspan 32-38 mm.

Very similar in appearance to Lead Belle (Scotopteryx mucronata), some examples can only be separated by genitalia examination. It is more widespread than that species, but both have declined in recent years.

The single generation flies in from June to August, and the species inhabits open heathland, downland and similar localities.

The larvae feed on gorse (Ulex) and petty whin (Genista anglica).