70.203 BF1661 – Orange Underwing – Geometridae – Archiearis parthenias
Orange Underwing – Geometridae – Archiearinae – Archiearis parthenias – colour code •
STATUS – A beautiful spring moth that is widely distributed in Derbyshire and locally common wherever there are areas of birch.
ID POINTERS – The Orange Underwing is a day flying moth and very active in warm spring sunshine, appearing orange brown in flight. Can be confused with the similar Light Orange Underwing.
Examination of the antennae is required to ID the species. Male Orange Underwing antennae are finely serrated (bipectinated), whereas the Male Light Orange Underwing antennae is feathered. There is also a strong white diagonal cross-band on the upper forewing of this species. On the under hindwing the orange band extends to outer-edge. On Light Orange Underwing the dark outer band is unbroken.
FLIGHT PERIOD – On the wing – March – April.
IMAGES – Foremark Reservoir, Derbyshire
Orange Underwing
