Barred Tooth-striped Trichopteryx polycommata
Barred Tooth-striped Trichopteryx polycommata
Adult • Gait Barrows NNR, Lancashire • © Rob Petley-Jones

70.201 BF1880

Barred Tooth-striped Trichopteryx polycommata

([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)


Wingspan 33-36 mm.

Locally distributed in scattered localities throughout England and Scotland, occupying woodland, chalk downland and scrubby areas.

A spring flyer, on the wing in March and April, the larvae feed in late spring and summer on wild privet (Ligustrum vulgare) and ash (Fraxinus).

There is a scarce melanic form, ab. caliginosa, which has occurred in Sussex, and some northern forms have a more contrasting pattern than typical specimens.
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