Lilac Beauty – Geometridae – Ennominae – Apeira syringaria – colour code •  STATUS – Resident widely distributed but generally uncommon in Derbyshire. Restricted to the south of the county and the population is precarious with very few records. Smaller numbers further north.   ID POINTERS – A large moth that is distinctive. Attractively marked with lilac and orange-brown shades across both upper-wing surfaces. The resting posture is diagnostic with leading edge of forewing creased.  A bold brown horizontal line runs through fore & hind wing and a row of tiny black spots on hind wing.   FLIGHT PERIOD –  On the wing June – […]

Heath Rustic – Noctuidae – Noctuinae – Xestia agathina – colour code • STATUS – Last recorded in August 2023 – Appears to be still a resident species whose population in Derbyshire is uncertain. An uncommon species that is found across a wide central moorland belt in the county.  ID POINTERS – A variable species but the main characteristic is a long black wedge shape running through the forewing that contains a rather elongated small pale straw or whitish coloured oval. Also the kidney mark is same colour as oval. Pale shoulder patches and small white vein-streaks into the forewing fringes. […]